Over this past year, we’ve been hard at work kicking-off bold and inclusive solutions to the climate crisis. So let’s celebrate defining moments that have shaped our work:
1. We launched a multi-language toolkit and global network for communities setting up renewable energy projects
We started the year strong by launching our Our Own Power Toolkit, a unique and free resource that guides communities through 5 phases for a renewable energy campaign, offering practical tips, and inspiration – in 6 different languages! Building on this, we introduced Our Own Power Network (OOP) in October through a global webinar featuring renewable energy champions from Asia, Africa and Latin America. OOP is the first global network of communities working together to create locally sourced, affordable 100% renewable energy systems to shift away from fossil fuels. The network offers resources, training and a global community to this vision, where anyone can start a petition to push for community energy projects in their area. We are growing this network everyday, with the aim that those least served by the fossil fuel era are first in line to build clean, affordable energy.
2. We helped bring solar light to areas in Uganda and Tanzania
Just a few months later, we launched our REPower Afrika Campaign in July 2024 to drive Africa’s shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Our activists organized rallies, installed renewable energy systems, and protested fossil fuel projects across seven countries. The work began in Uganda and Tanzania, where the East African Crude Oil Pipeline threatens over 100,000 lives. In villages like Kijumba, Uganda, women farmers received training to install solar systems that power their homes, bringing light & opportunities to their communities. Together, we’ve united African activists, civil society groups, and local communities to demand reliable, safe and equitable energy access. We are now on our way to bringing solar light to 80 public infrastructures, from health centers to schools. But we won’t stop until at least 80% of Africa is powered by renewable energy!
3. We demanded leaders tax the wealth of the ultra rich
At the same time, we launched our Tax Their Billions campaign in Europe to make the super-rich pay to fix the climate crisis. We are calling on governments to tax billionaires & fossil fuel giants – the most responsible for & least impacted by the climate crisis – and to use these funds to provide renewable energy for all, along with essential public services. We started our on-ground actions in France, where we led bold stunts and forums to protest tax cuts for the wealthy. During COP29 in November, we released an eye-opening dossier in 4 languages exposing the dirty secrets of eight billionaires. Our activists also took to the streets in cities across France, Germany, the UK urging governments to ‘Tax Their Billions!’ for the people and planet. We’ll keep pushing for taxes on the wealth of the ultra-rich and Big Oil, ensuring they pay up!
4. We successfully made the case for heat pumps in Canada
With Canada battling extreme heat this summer, our team got busy calling for a public heat pump program to save lives, cut bills, and protect the planet through our new Heat Pumps for All Campaign. Heat pumps are electric appliances that both heat and cool a home. They help replace gas or oil furnaces, allowing communities to reduce reliance on toxic & polluting fossil fuels. For our campaign, we recruited volunteers across the country and hired organizing fellows in strategically important communities. Our online calls, in-person trainings, and community climate circles mobilized strong public support for a free heat pump program. We also released two mini documentaries on why heat pumps help tackle both the climate crisis and the affordability crisis. We now have public support from 21 (and counting!) Canadian Members of Parliament from three different political parties, and we have met with key government reps to give policy recommendations!
5. Our campaign led to the early release of climate activist, Hong
As Vietnam joined the $15.5 billion Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) – a deal to secure money for shifting to cleaner energy, its government started targeting climate advocates instead of involving them. Our ally and activist Hoàng Thi Minh Hồng, was arrested in May 2023 on false charges. Through our Free Hong Campaign, we rallied non-stop throughout this year, sending letters of support and taking actions in 10+ countries. We released our fair JETP principles and showed up at New York Climate Week advocating for civil society inclusion, human rights, and fair financing. Our campaign gathered 9,200 signatures from 55 countries, pressuring officials to call for Hồng’s release and standing in solidarity with all climate defenders. Victory came on September 21 when Hong was finally released – 20 months early! Our support for environmental defenders’ rights and inclusion continues – we stand strong and in solidarity for all those fighting alongside us for a better future!
WE ARE PLANTING ROOTS FOR: Supporting the indigenous leadership towards COP30
We are collaborating with indigenous leaders in their efforts leading up to the 2025 COP30 in Brazil to advocate for government accountability in meeting ambitious climate plans, with a focus on climate solutions and safeguarding the Amazon from oil and gas extraction.
We helped launch the Brazilian indigenous movement’s campaign for COP30, titled “The Answer Is Us”, demanding the co-presidency of COP30 in Brazil. Our efforts also helped in establishing the G9 of the Indigenous Amazon, a coalition representing the nine countries of the Amazon rainforest.
As G20 nations fall short on climate pledges, it is essential to turn to the Indigenous peoples of the Pan-Amazon, who have long served as guardians of the forest and stewards of the global climate.
In 2025, we will double-down on these efforts to bring people’s voices to the center of climate solutions!
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