LTBLI at the Global Climate Action Summit

Let There Be Light International attended the Global Climate Action Summit (GCAS) in San Francisco last week. We represented grassroots climate action and were joined by friends and colleagues from around the world.

Thousands Gather

There was a celebratory air in the city as 4,000 delegates reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris Pledge. Importantly, there were policymakers and participants from all over the globe. International, national, state, and local government officials attended. They were joined by civil society, industry, and private citizens who raised their voices to address climate change. Significantly, real and actionable pledges were made. The actions centered on keeping global warming below the critical 2-degree threshold.

Executive Director, Baird, participated in breakout health and the environment sessions and explained the impact of pollution on the poor living in off-grid communities. Notably, LTBLI committed to helping organizations in sub-Saharan Africa to achieve Net Zero in their local healthcare centers. LTBLI’s solar commitment includes the installation of solar systems on an additional 6 prioritized facilities in 2019.

Healthcare Without Harm recognized Let There Be Light International as a “Climate and Health Leader” for our role in solar-electrifying off-grid health clinics in Uganda.

WeAreStillIn

Let There Be Light International pledged to uphold the promises of WeAreStillIn.com. After our current administration withdrew the United States from the Paris Accord, WeAreStillIn stepped in. Pulling together diverse voice, the movement promised to world leaders that Americans won’t retreat from the global pact to reduce emissions and stem the causes of climate change. The bipartisan coalition includes 3,500 representatives from all 50 states, spanning large and small businesses, mayors and governors, university presidents, faith leaders, tribal leaders, and cultural institutions.

As a signatory to the Paris Agreement and to the WeAreStillIn movement, LTBLI submitted a pledge to the WeAreStillIn movement. You can read our pledge here.

Amplifying Impact

While in San Francisco, LTBLI met with other health and environmental groups. We advocated for a focus on the basic needs of those left out of most electrification projects. We provided examples of creative co-benefit programming. Anti-malarial programming, for instance, provides an opportunity to amplify health outcomes by adopting an energy-access perspective. In fact, the pairing of a small solar light with an insecticide-treated bednet has the potential to dramatically increase bednet usage among the energy poor. As some practitioners are not aware, many off-grid families are afraid to use their bednets while also using their open-flamed kerosene lights. But, they have no other lighting option. Here’s where we can help!

LTBLI shines a light on the benefits of solar as a health and safety intervention among the extreme poor in rural Uganda. To find out more about how to help, visit us at https://www.LetThereBeLightInternational/solar-impact