As we reflect on COP27, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Antonio Guterres’s opening speech warned us that “we are on a highway to climate hell with our foot still on the accelerator.” And the BBC is reporting that ‘nations deeply divided over cash to help poor countries cope with the impacts of climate change.’
Meanwhile, we are hearing worrying reports that agreements made at COP27 may even represent a step back from the Paris Agreement.
None of this sounds good. And, if you take a step back, how is it that we are ‘negotiating’ over something so critical to our existence? Negotiating means compromise at a time when we should all be uncompromisingly on the same page.
But beneath the headlines, there are always reasons to be hopeful.
In all the coverage I have seen about COP27, there was a photo of a young woman holding up a sign reading ‘No More Blah Blah Blah’ that continually grabbed my attention.
While some positive concrete steps may come out of COP27, we know that we need action now. That is where you come in. Together, we are creating a brighter future for both people and the planet by helping the most vulnerable skip over the need for dirty, dangerous energy straight to clean, renewable solar.
Those who have contributed the least to climate change are the least able to cope, the least able to recover and the least to blame. We have a moral obligation to both people and the planet to create sustainable and lasting change. This is not only a climate crisis issue. It’s a climate justice issue.
Remote Agent Penny Mupeta interacting with customer Missary Kalale in Serenje, Zambia. SolarAid/Jason J Mulikita.
Small solar lights have a big impact on those living in areas hardest hit by the crisis. With the flick of a switch, homes are safer, cleaner, more pleasant places to be while people are saving money and children have the opportunity to study. In short, access to clean, safe energy creates resilience.
At SolarAid, we know a solar light won’t solve everything, but it is a simple and practical first step. We know that solar power improves livelihoods and builds resilience within vulnerable communities. This is why we are working with partners not just in Malawi and Zambia, but also now in Senegal and Madagascar.
We will not stop. We will not compromise. We are doers who take action. So, when you take action – whether it’s telling others about SolarAid, taking on a fundraising challenge or donating to our work – you too are part of us.
Together, we are taking practical climate action tackling both poverty and climate change. I hope this knowledge offers you a ray of light and agency amidst all the ‘blah blah blah.’
Thank you for being part of this community.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
You can create brighter futures for both people and the planet in an instant. Give today and have your gift doubled.