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From Ocean Floors To Mountain Tops, These Local Leaders Are Dedicated To Climate Protection

Local efforts around the world to protect our planet are too often underfunded and overlooked. GlobalGiving created the Climate Action Fund to change that. The fund gives the most crisis-affected communities access to a year of steady financial support. Meet the climate champions who are part of our inaugural Climate Action Fund cohort.


 

There is no country that is not experiencing the drastic effects of climate change. Greenhouse gas emissions are more than 50% higher than in 1990. Global warming is causing long-lasting changes to our climate system, and irreversible consequences are imminent if we do not act.

Combating climate change requires a wide range of strategies—advocating for legislation, launching social enterprises, raising awareness—all of which are vitally important. Unfortunately, solutions led by the communities most affected by climate change are often the most overlooked. And with the impacts of climate change being felt differently around world, it’s imperative to invest in the local leaders most familiar with the challenges facing their communities.

That’s why we launched the GlobalGiving Climate Action Fund this year to provide steady, monthly support to five, highly effective local leaders seeking climate justice. Say hello and join the 2019 Climate Action Fund cohort in:

    1. Bringing forests back to the Samburu tribe.

    SADHANA FOREST KENYA | KENYA

     
    Sadhana Forest Kenya is led by husband-wife duo Yorit and Aviram Rozin. The organization works to sustainably bring back water, forest, and wildlife to degraded lands and helps Indians, Haitians, and Kenyans achieve food self sufficiency. The Climate Action Fund will support the Samburu tribe in Kenya in creating forests of indigenous, food-producing trees that will provide long-term food security while simultaneously curbing climate change. Learn more.

    2. Generating economic incentives for farmers to abandon open field burning for greener alternatives.

    WARM HEART WORLDWIDE, INC | THAILAND

     
    Around the world, agricultural burning is a major contributor to greenhouse gases. Warm Heart Worldwide launched a “Stop the Smoke!” campaign in rural northern Thailand. What excites Evelind Schecter, the project’s leader, is that “this project is globally replicable. It expands the village co-op model producing biochar products, improves health outcomes, reduces global warming.” With support from the Climate Action Fund, a group of villages in northern Thailand will be able to reduce their impact on global warming while improving farmers’ incomes, the soil, and community health. Learn more.

    3. Planting second-generation, climate-adapted corals.

    CORALS FOR CONSERVATION | FIJI

     
    The rainforests of the sea, coral reefs play vital roles in the health of the ocean. Unfortunately, approximately 75% of coral reefs worldwide are currently threatened by a combination of local and global stressors. In and around Fiji, where Corals For Conservation works, over 90% of the corals have bleached and died. Luckily, project leader Austin Bowden-Kerby reports, “We have developed coral gardening techniques that are both effective and low cost.” With support from the Climate Action Fund, the communities Austin works with will restore patches of healthy corals to reefs by planting second-generation, climate-adapted corals of diverse species. Villages in Fiji, Vanuatu, Moorea, Christmas Island Kiribati, and Tuvalu will benefit. Learn more

    4. Cultivating regenerative food forests in the Amazon.

    INSTITUTO CHAIKUNI | PERU

     
    The Chaikuni Institute works to revitalize ancestral practices in rural Amazonian areas, combining permaculture design and traditional knowledge to train committed local farmers in the indigenous and mestizo communities of the Peruvian Amazon. Executive Director and political ecologist, Stefan Kistler, says, “The philosophy of Akinananti—working together and unity through thoughtful actions in community—is the motivating inspiration behind this program.” With support from the Climate Action Fund, Instituto Chaikuni will bring communities together to engage in an intercultural learning environment while revitalizing ancient practices. By promoting local, regenerative permaculture projects, Stefan looks forward to “transforming communities’ lives and inspiring a new approach to small-scale farming by communities, for communities.” Learn more.

    5. Supporting environmental youth leaders to spearhead local adoption of climate solutions.

    GRUPO ECOLOGICO SIERRA GORDA I.A.P. | MEXICO

     
    The Sierra Gorda is an alliance of organizations working towards conservation, restoration, and sustainable development of the Sierra Gorda region. Group leader Pati Ruiz Corzo tells us the region “suffers from deforestation, biodiversity loss, trash mismanagement, and unsustainable agriculture.” The Climate Action Fund will support Sierra Gorda in providing young environmental leaders with leadership training, environmental education, guidance, and a community of fellow young activists through a regional network of EcoClubs. “When youth lead initiatives such as ecosystem restoration and reforestation, they increase community environmental awareness and local resilience to climate change,” says Pati. “The hope is that, as youth become leaders in their communities, they will guide the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve towards sustainable development, holistic land management, and biodiversity conservation.” Learn more.

Support local climate champions. Make a donation to the Climate Action Fund today.

Become A Climate Supporter

When you give monthly, your donation will be matched! Terms + Conditions apply.

Featured Photo: Support Regenerative Food Forests in the Amazon by Institute Chaikuni

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