What is ICAN?

And why does Inverclyde need a climate hub?

With our recent social media post introducing ICAN and what it is we do, we thought it would be remiss not to take a more in-depth look at some burning questions - what is ICAN? And why does Inverclyde need a climate hub?

So, what is ICAN? 

In response to the UN Paris Agreement, the Scottish Government published their intention to bring Scotland to net zero emissions by 2045 - five years earlier than the rest of the UK. Titled the Climate Change (Scotland) Act, it is one of the most ambitious climate change plans in the world. 

As part of this plan, the Scottish Government introduced the Regional Climate Hub Programme in 2020. These hubs were created to help communities stay informed, connected, and empowered to take climate action, in ways that reflect the needs of their own local areas. One size doesn’t fit all - what might work in a busy city like Edinburgh, may not work in rural communities in Skye. 

Gillian Martin MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, said of the programme: 

“Tackling climate change is our collective responsibility and requires collaborative action at all levels. Communities are uniquely placed to play a key role in sharing and driving forward Scotland’s transition to low carbon and climate resilient living.” 

ICAN is Inverclyde’s regional climate hub. We are here to empower Inverclyde residents to act whereever they can, and we have supported various projects in Inverclyde.  

Over the past year, we’ve supported a range of sustainability-focused projects across Inverclyde, while building a growing network of community groups, local libraries, green organisations, arts organisations, and individuals interested in climate action. 

By working together, we can strengthen local climate projects, improve access to information and support about climate change, and help build a more connected and climate-resilient Inverclyde.

And we’ve already made a strong start – read our 2025/26 report, A Year of Growth, here to learn about the growth we’ve had over the last year. 

What does this look like in practice? 

A climate hub isn’t really about large-scale environmental campaigns. Most of the work we do happens at a community level. Through smaller, more practical actions, we can help people feel informed, connected and supported.  

At ICAN, this has included: 

• Delivering climate training, such as Climate Fresk and our own climate awareness sessions

• Hosting network meetings, workshops and events

• Supporting local projects and community groups through our seed funding

• Connecting local organisations to one another for collaboration and knowledge-sharing

• Providing non-financial support, such as advice and guidance

• Signposting people to the resources and help they need

• And getting stuck in ourselves, with litter picking in local areas and joining in workshops.  

This kind of work helps climate action feel more accessible and connected to everyday life. 

Why does Inverclyde need a climate hub?

When we think about climate change, we often picture the images shown in climate documentaries, and the stories shared at huge global climate conferences. 

For example, an island somewhere in the Pacific Ocean, flooding so badly it almost disappears and its lifelong residents must move elsewhere.  

The Amazon Rainforest, losing over 900km2 of forest area (nearly 40% of its original size) since the 1970s.  

The Great Barrier Reef, destroyed by mass coral bleaching events caused by rising ocean temperatures. 

All this to say, climate change has long been thought of as distant to many people - something happening elsewhere, rather than something affecting our own communities.  

We may not immediately think about the increased risk of coastal erosion around Gourock, Inverkip and Wemyss Bay. Or the more frequent storms and flooding threatening buildings and transport links. The increasing risk of flooding along our beautiful coastal roads, and around local lochs and reservoirs. And we may not recognise that rising day-to-day costs, from food prices to energy bills, are linked to climate-related pressures.  

The climate crisis is not a far-away issue - it’s already impacting our communities and affecting our everyday lives. 

And whilst the Inverclyde Climate Action Network can’t fix any of this overnight, we’re working to support Inverclyde communities to take action in their own small ways. Whether this takes the form of growing in community gardens, improving individual carbon footprints, or a seed funding grant that allows a community climate action project to hit the ground running, it all adds up to make Inverclyde more resilient the impacts of climate change. 

Climate change does not affect everyone equally 

Communities already facing financial pressures, social isolation, or healthcare cuts are often the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.  

Rising energy costs, food insecurity, extreme weather, and damage or pressure on local transport or building infrastructure can affect people differently, based on their circumstances.  

For example, someone that relies on public transport is going to be more harshly impacted by damaged train tracks than someone who can drive. Or someone facing financial pressures might struggle more with rising energy bills. They might try and use the heating less to save costs, which can worsen health issues, too.  

This is exactly why local, community-led support and resilience-building are so important. We need local projects that cater to what Inverclyde needs, led by local people. And that’s exactly what ICAN is here to support. 

After all, climate action isn’t just about the environment. 

Whilst it’s usually thought of as being only about sustainability, climate action is as much about the community as it is the environment. Local projects also have social benefits. 

Community gardens and growing projects can reduce isolation and improve wellbeing, and on larger scales, can provide fresh produce for their community.  

A food redistribution network - like the one that the Inverclyde Community Food Network established with ICAN’s help - can help households experiencing financial pressure whilst also reducing waste.  

Creative workshops and local events can help people feel more connected as well as providing a space to be creative and relax, allowing room for hope when climate change can feel overwhelming.  

When climate action is rooted in community, its impact can reach far beyond environmental outcomes alone.

Thanks for reading! 

Climate change can often feel overwhelming, especially when we hear about it on a global scale. But meaningful action can also begin locally. When communities come together to support one another and share ideas, they make small changes that add up over time.  

Now imagine those effects multiplied over the 24 climate hubs in Scotland. Suddenly, we have a picture of a Scotland that is better connected, better informed, and better prepared to adapt to the challenges climate change brings. That’s why our climate hubs matter.