SolarAid
·AfricaLight is essential for life but without access to electricity, 548 million people across sub-Saharan Africa are resorting to dangerous, polluting alternatives like kerosene lamps and crude oil candles.
In response, SolarAid has pioneered a simple solution with a huge impact. By working together with local communities, the project has provided solar lights to homes, schools and hospitals. In real terms, that means 12,300,000 people now have access to clean, safe, solar light and 2,400,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions has been averted.
Their sights are now set on lighting up every home, school and clinic in Africa by 2030 using safe, clean, solar power.
Why we think they're great
SolarAid's mantra is 'trade not aid' and that's what sets them apart from other organisations. Rather than gifting solar lights on a traditional charitable basis, they've created a sustainable local market for solar lights, through their social enterprise, Sunny Money. In doing so, they've given local people ownership over the sale of lights, have built trust in renewable energy and have created resilient local economies.
Further Reading
Other selected causes:
💨 Carbon Reduction
If we want to sustain life on this planet we need to cut our carbon emissions, while also dealing with the excess of carbon in our atmosphere already wreaking havoc on our climate. Science is leading the way in this field and there are some exciting innovations.
🐋 Marine Conservation
The ocean is a total powerhouse when it comes to regulating the Earth’s climate, yet human actions have wreaked havoc on marine ecosystems. In order to rebalance our planet, we must protect our oceans and revolutionise the way we fish, the world over.
🌲 Forest Conservation
Forests are home to 80% of terrestrial biodiversity and store vast quantities of carbon, but 75,000 acres are being destroyed every day by logging, poaching and agriculture.
🌞 Climate Resilience
Poverty and climate change are cruelly interlinked and this is especially true when you look at access to clean energy and water. Projects that champion clean energy solutions and which work to create climate-resilient communities are an integral part of the fight to save our planet.
🥕 Food & Agriculture
Food, agriculture and the climate crisis are inextricably linked. Fortunately there are sustainable food organisations and forward thinking farmers out there fighting for positive change. These are the people we need to get behind.
📚 Education & Advocacy
Don’t underestimate the power of a well informed public - this puts pressure on governments and businesses, and that drives change. These organisations are enabling systemic change among the mainstream by educating and challenging the status quo.

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