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As governments whittle away money towards military spending, communities in war-affected regions are using renewable energy as a tool for survival and resistance. In Gaza, a solar-powered water pump has made it possible for 2000 Gazans like Intisar (pictured above) to access water. Full story here. Photo: © Haitham Awwad / PENGON / 350.org
It seems like some governments are being short-sighted (again!) on international climate action. The U.S. is reducing climate finance, cancelling important climate commitments and pulling out of global climate funds. Other rich countries are following suit, slashing foreign aid – money that could fund climate solutions is now going to military spending. Meanwhile, Big Oil is relentlessly pushing to block progress and silence our movement.
But amidst these challenges, there is still good climate news to celebrate: grassroots communities are driving real change.
Now more than ever, we must look towards communities, especially in Asia, Africa, and South America to be serious about our climate future. They are the ones taking the energy future in their own hands, and on their own terms. At 350, we’re proud to support their efforts through initiatives like the Our Own Power Network and the Renew Our Power Gathering. We know that if we want a secure climate future, we need to build it from the ground up, together.
And we’d be remiss not to mention, especially during this Women’s Month, that it’s the women in these communities who are at the forefront of the movement. Across the world, they are driving renewable energy solutions and proving that a just energy transition is possible. It’s time that governments, businesses, and financial institutions keep their eye on the long game, step up and support these pioneering women. Good climate news often comes from these women-led initiatives, demonstrating the power of grassroots leadership.
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Movement Updates Discover our latest actions demanding climate solutions & energy justice
Women leading solar energy systems in Nepal
This International Women’s Day, we met Susmita and the incredible women of Digo Bikas Institute in Nepal. Their work shows that women are at the heart of an energy future that works for everyone. After an earthquake destroyed a single panel solar system that was providing electricity to the village of Dhapsung, women from the Institute, along with partners, mobilized community members to install a small grid solar panel. This energy system is now owned and managed by the village women’s community group, providing electricity to schools, mills and farms nearby. Click on the picture to see their work in action and find out why women must be at the center of Asia’s transition to renewable energy.Stories like these remind us that good climate news is happening everywhere.
Taking our power to the ballots in Australia
Another example of good climate news in action is over in Australia, where we launched the Pawa to the Ballot campaign to mobilize Pacific communities across the country ahead of the federal elections. With this campaign, we are asking locals to vote for the survival of Pacific communities, spotlighting climate demands and advocating for priorities like a livable climate, renewable energy, and job security. We wrapped up at Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, bringing Our Pawa to the Pride Festival. Learn more about why what happens during the Australian elections will impact the whole of the Pacific.
Supporting mining-affected communities in South Africa
We are taking power away from private energy companies and laying the groundwork for community-owned energy in South Africa. Over two years, we’ve partnered with Sekhukhune Combined Mining-Affected Communities (SCMAC) to advance socially owned renewable energy (SORE). Our vision is bold: small, grid-tied solar farms owned and managed by local co-operatives—creating jobs, powering homes, and funding development. Our research confirms strong support for this model, and we’re now pushing mining companies to include SORE in their social labor plans!
Powering the future through solar charging
Earlier this month, alongside students and faculty from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), we installed a solar charging station—the second of its kind at one of the country’s largest state universities. After the previous power station broke down, students were left without reliable electricity. So the electrical engineering students at PUP took the task in their own hands by designing and building a 1.2 kilowatt solar station. We will now support and encourage students in other universities to replicate this success, expanding access to clean, reliable energy on campuses nationwide.
Story: Energizing a forest community with renewables
This International Day of Forests, we celebrated the story of Bunikasih village in Indonesia, where a community-run renewable energy is transforming lives. Once struggling with limited electricity, villagers now power their palm sugar processing plant, and their local economy, using micro-hydro systems. Unlike big dams, these systems have minimal ecological impact and are perfectly suited for forests. Household incomes have grown up to five times, and young people are returning to work in their community. You can see here how locals built a self-sufficient, fossil-free future!
Climate Jargon Unpack the terms & concepts being used by climate activists & experts
The Energy Transition
The process of moving away from dirty fossil fuels and towards cleaner, renewable sources of energy like solar and wind power.
The energy transition is one of the most important developments in combating the climate crisis because burning fossil fuels is the main cause of global heating. To prevent worsening extreme weather, rising seas, and displacement, we must rapidly move to a low-carbon energy system.
Energy transitions aren’t new. History has seen major shifts, like moving from wood to coal in the 19th century or from coal to oil in the 20th. But today’s transition is different—it’s a race against time. We need to replace fossil fuels as fast as possible to protect people and the planet from the worst impacts of the climate crisis.
At 350, we fight for a just energy transition—one that doesn’t leave anyone behind. That means ensuring communities most impacted by the climate crisis and fossil fuel extraction are at the centre of solutions, with access to affordable, renewable energy for all.
Community Spotlight Be inspired by stories & interviews of real people who are fighting for a just energy transition
Solar Project: Energia das Mulheres da Terra
Photo: Energia das Mulheres da Terra
Energia das Mulheres da Terra (Energy of the Women of the Earth) is a women-led project in the state of Goiás, Brazil, helping female farmers access renewable energy. Women make up 48% of Brazil’s rural population and women-run family farms represent 13% of all farms. This project installs solar pumps on small farms, making water access easier and farming more sustainable. Through a community fund, it helps women afford solar panels, biodigesters, and other eco-friendly technologies. The impact is real: women save money on electricity, grow more food, and gain a stronger voice in their families and communities. So far, 92 women have joined the network, 16 collective projects have been installed, 3 rural schools have received direct support, and this is just the beginning! By using renewable energy, Energia das Mulheres da Terra is improving lives, protecting the environment, and showing us that women across communities are taking charge of their energy future.
Visit the Energia das Mulheres da Terra website and follow them on Instagram.
Renewable Rundown Get informed on big numbers, key facts and important news
0.01%
Is the miniscule share of global climate finance that women receive for their initiatives promoting gender equality and climate action, according to Women’s World Banking.
This financial gap isn’t just unjust, it’s actually dangerous. 753 million women in climate-vulnerable countries are excluded from formal financial systems, leaving them without savings, insurance, or access to credit when disaster strikes. By 2050, climate change could push 158 million more women and girls into poverty. Yet, only 55 national climate action plans even mention gender equality.
Women aren’t passive victims of the climate crisis: they are at the forefront of resilience, responding to climate crises like driving sustainable practices in agriculture and other natural resources. When women are in leadership, climate policies are stronger, and businesses are more sustainable. But without funding, their impact is limited.
If we are serious about solving the climate crisis, we must recognize that gender equality is not an optional add-on, it is fundamental to climate justice.
Your Power Support us in demanding real climate action
Last month, you helped us send a petition demanding Brazilian President Lula to stop more oil exploration near the Amazon river and endangering local communities and wildlife. But he is only doubling down on extraction.
President Lula is active on social media and cares about his image as the host for COP30 climate talks. Make him listen by sending a message on social media! If enough of us call him out, we can make a chorus of voices that he cannot ignore.
Energize Build your skills to tackle the climate crisis and widen our movement
We have a super special invitation for you!
The Renew Our Power Gathering in Brazil is almost here. We’re bringing together 200+ climate activists for hands-on training, strategy sessions, and powerful conversations on advancing community-owned renewable energy solutions. And we want you to be part of this global moment too!
Join us virtually for this first-of-its-kind gathering with inspiring sessions connecting thousands of people worldwide and building momentum for real climate action.
The post Our Power News – It’s time to back women driving energy solutions appeared first on 350.