| November 2016 | Decentralized renewables: a powerful weapon in the climate fight

Why more power will combat climate change

The power that will lift hundreds of millions from energy poverty, is the same power that will help combat climate change: decentralized renewables. As world leaders get ready for COP22, we highlight how distributed technologies can significantly reduce emissions, provide clean energy to the people most vulnerable to climate disruption, and improve resilience in the world's poorest communities. In this article, we explain why replacing kerosene lamps and diesel generators with renewable alternatives has been termed the "low-hanging fruit" of the climate world, and call for rapid action to speed up energy access. Read the article »

Forward

Video: The Case for Climate Optimism

"Bangladesh is now installing solar PV systems at the rate of two per minute, 24 hours a day". As part of his inspiring TED talk this year, Al Gore highlighted the key role of distributed solutions in ending energy poverty, and blazing the path to a sustainable future. Watch this 2 minute clip on the mobile phone revolution, and how smaller-scale solar is following the same path »

Infographic

By 2030, replacing kerosene lamps and diesel generators with off-grid distributed renewables could save nearly a gigaton of CO2e each year––equal to the annual emissions of Germany, the world's 4th largest economy. Share this graphic and join our call for a cleaner, healthier future »

In Conversation with...
Ellen Dorsey

If 1% of $3.4 trillion is directed at ending energy poverty, what can be achieved? Ellen Dorsey, Executive Director of the Wallace Global Fund is leading an effort to find out. The emerging 'One for All' campaign aims to direct part of the trillions divested from fossil fuels to clean energy access. Learn more about the new initiative »

Fact Sheet: Powering a Climate-Friendly Future

Kerosene lamps and oil-based generators are some of the most polluting power sources in the world, with small diesel gensets creating 2x as much CO2 as coal plants per kWh, and kerosene lights emitting 240 million tons of toxic black carbon—equal to the emissions of 80 coal-fired power plants. Get the Facts »

Building Better, Increasing Resilience

26 of the 30 countries most impacted by climate change are those with the highest rates of poverty. Resilient energy infrastructure is vital for safety and security, and for rebuilding communities in the aftermath of extreme weather disasters—as seen following the devastation of Hurricane Matthew. Learn how decentralized renewables are building resilience »

Campaign Update

In November, Power for All will be speaking at COP22, joining a panel at the West African Power Industry Convention, and much more. Check out highlights from the campaign in October—including progress from Sierra Leone's Energy Revolution and an interview with Minister of Energy, Henry Macauley—and find out what's happening this month. Get the latest update »

“There are no magic bullets that will solve all of our greenhouse gas problems, but replacing kerosene lamps is a low-hanging fruit”

Professor Kirk Smith, University California, Berkeley

Join our mailing list