Solar Stewards

What is the Solar Stewards Marketplace? This piece by Yale Climate Connections gives a short and sweet overview of how corporates are making their climate commitments more equitable. Thank you Yale School of the Environment for featuring Solar Stewards! #justtransition #socialrecs #equity #socialentrepreneurship #CSR #ESG #climatejustice #ghgprotocol #DEI #solar

Patrick Crusius grew up in Allen, Texas, where he saw his hometown change rapidly with an influx of Hispanic migrants. Feeling overwhelmed and threatened by these changes, he developed a fear that they would strain local resources and disrupt the community he loved, leading him to support building a wall to keep immigrants out. 🧱 In August 2019, these fears culminated in tragedy when he attacked a Walmart in El Paso, killing 23 people. His actions were rooted in a misguided belief that he was protecting America from a supposed "Hispanic invasion." 🙅♂️ ❌🚩 This horrific event exposed the deep societal tensions around immigration and environmental concerns, showing how fears of resource scarcity can drive people to violence. ❗ After the shooting, it became clear that these anxieties are intertwined with broader issues like climate change.♻️ As environmental challenges grow, they often fuel anti-immigrant sentiments, suggesting that newcomers threaten both our culture and the environment. This dangerous narrative risks normalizing violence as a response to the pressures of a changing world, highlighting the urgent need for compassionate dialogue and understanding. 🫂 Follow for more Climate Justice News: https://t.co/J83nYVWH7a #energyjustice #equitableenergy #dignifiedlife #fairness #energyburden #energyinsecurity #socialimpact #equity #equityandinclusion #climatechange #environment #sustainability #justice #action #localizedclimateaction #energytransition

Countries at the U.N.'s COP29 climate conference have pledged $300 billion annually for climate finance, but what does this amount truly represent? To put it into perspective, it’s equivalent to 45 days of global military spending, considering the world spends $6.7 billion daily on defense. The sum matches the value of all crude oil used globally in just over 40 days, based on current consumption rates of 100 million barrels a day. Even Elon Musk's net worth, standing at $321.7 billion, hovers around this figure. Yet, as Hurricane Helene's devastating $250 billion cost this year highlights, such funding might barely scratch the surface of what climate-fueled disasters demand. Comparisons abound. The $300 billion annual climate finance target is nearly on par with the GDP of Chile ($335 billion), the world's largest copper producer. It also mirrors the total cost of the eurozone’s bailout for Greece, which hit €260 billion between 2010 and 2018. On the tech front, owning 10% of Microsoft or the total market cap of U.S. oil major Chevron would each nearly meet this goal. However, while these analogies paint a vivid picture, they also underline the vast sums involved—and the challenges of achieving meaningful climate action. At COP29, a delegate from Nigeria voiced strong concerns, calling the $300 billion pledge insufficient and unrealistic for meeting global climate goals. “Walking home with $300 billion as a win undermines the Paris Agreement, which explicitly states that developed countries should take the lead in climate finance,” they argued. Highlighting the historical emissions of wealthier nations, the delegate pointed out that the pledge does not reflect the scale of ambition needed to support developing countries, especially rural women and vulnerable communities. “This is not just about statements; we have the right to reject unrealistic offers. If developed countries expect ambitious NDCs from us, then climate finance must be equally ambitious,” they concluded. Follow for more Climate Justice News: https://buff.ly/3OwrWKC https://buff.ly/3CXWu5i #energyjustice #equitableenergy #dignifiedlife #fairness #energyburden #energyinsecurity #climatechange #environment #sustainability #youthaction #climateaction #activism #justice #action #localizedclimateaction #energytransition #cop29 #Nigeria #ndcs #climatefinance

In Puerto Rico, the LNG terminal in San Juan has residents like nun Lissette Avilés Ríos worried about their safety.⛑️ She recalls a massive tanker ship bringing in liquefied natural gas, and the potential dangers it poses to her community. After seeing a gas facility explosion in Texas, she can't shake the fear that a similar disaster could happen right where she lives. 🚨 What’s even more concerning is that this terminal operates without federal permits. New Fortress Energy built the facility without following necessary safety regulations and is now scrambling to make things right.ᯓ🏃🏻♀️➡️ Locals feel unheard in decisions that could lock them into a risky energy system that relies on natural gas, which is not only dangerous but also prone to wild price swings. ☠️ Residents like Avilés, along with local activists, are speaking up. They point to past incidents, like a refinery explosion that wreaked havoc, and see this as part of a bigger issue of neglect towards Puerto Rico’s safety and environment. They’re calling for more transparency and accountability, emphasizing that community well-being should come before corporate profits. 🏘️ 🧘♂️ Follow for more Climate Justice News: https://buff.ly/40iz44n #energyjustice #equitableenergy #dignifiedlife #fairness #energyburden #energyinsecurity #climatechange #environment #sustainability #youthaction #climateaction #activism #justice #action #localizedclimateaction #energytransition

British Columbians are voting in a tight provincial election, with the NDP and Conservative Party locked in a close race. The outcome could jeopardize the province's carbon tax, a vital climate policy, as the NDP hesitates to defend it, fearing backlash from Conservative voters. ▀▄▀▄▀▄ This election reflects a troubling shift in Canadian politics, where carbon pricing is now seen as a hot-button issue instead of a common-sense solution. It’s a critical moment for places like California that are navigating similar climate goals. 🌏 The BC carbon tax, which started in 2008, was praised for cutting emissions while helping low-income families. But rising costs have made it a target for criticism, with many feeling the financial strain. If BC scraps the tax, it could undermine Canada’s climate efforts, highlighting the need for better communication about its benefits. ♻️ Follow for more Climate Justice News: https://buff.ly/3A7w5Bb #socialimpact #equity #equityandinclusion #justice #action #localizedclimateaction #energytransition

Cuba's national grid recently collapsed, leaving all 10 million residents without electricity and revealing just how outdated the country’s infrastructure is. With power plants that are decades old and barely maintained, the situation got worse when bad weather delayed fuel deliveries and a major power plant malfunctioned. 🆘 The government often blames U.S. sanctions for its energy troubles, but it also admits that corruption and inefficiency have led to this crisis. Millions of Cubans are now dealing with sweltering heat, water shortages, and food scarcity, which has made life increasingly tough and frustrating. 🙅♂️ In response, Cuba is trying to shift to renewable energy, mainly solar, with new projects in the works. But progress is slow, and many Cubans, feeling desperate, are choosing to leave the island for a better life elsewhere. ⏳ Follow for more Climate Justice News: https://buff.ly/4fd2QM2 #renewableenergy #solarenergy #climatechange #technology #innovation #energyjustice #equitableenergy #dignifiedlife #fairness #energyburden #energyinsecurity #socialimpact #equity #equityandinclusion #climatechange #environment #sustainability #justice #action #localizedclimateaction #energytransition

Our Jada Johnson’s love for nature started in her childhood in Atlanta, where she explored the outdoors with her siblings. 🏞️ But she also saw firsthand the environmental struggles in her community. It wasn’t until she studied environmental issues at Brown University that she understood the systemic problems she had witnessed. 🤔 Now, at Columbia’s MPA program, Jada is focused on making sure the clean energy movement benefits everyone, especially underserved communities. 🏙 👨🏽👩🏽👦🏽👦🏽 Her time at Solar Stewards ☀️🛰️⚡ showed her how important it is to connect sustainability with fairness, and she’s ready to drive real change through policy. 📝 Jada’s future is bright, whether she’s traveling to Brazil or Colombia for sustainability research or returning to Guidehouse to continue her work in energy. For her, it’s all about creating a fairer, greener future for everyone. 🚀 Follow for more Climate Justice News: https://buff.ly/4eJxhck #renewableenergy #solarenergy #climatechange #technology #innovation #energyjustice #equitableenergy #dignifiedlife #fairness #energyburden #energyinsecurity #socialimpact #equity #equityandinclusion #climatechange #environment #sustainability #youthaction #climateaction #activism #justice #action #localizedclimateaction #energytransition

More people are considering going off the grid and generating their own electricity in states like California and New York due to high utility rates and falling solar prices. This shift isn’t just for environmentalists—businesses like wineries and hotels are joining in to save money. 💰 As customers leave, utilities may face a "death spiral," where rising rates push even more people away, leading to higher costs for those who remain. 💨 For low- to moderate-income customers, the initial costs of going off-grid can be a barrier. However, new business models offering "grid defection as a service" could help by sharing the savings and managing installations, making renewable energy more accessible for everyone. 🔓 Follow for more Climate Justice News: https://buff.ly/48mgaeR #energyjustice #equitableenergy #dignifiedlife #fairness #energyburden #energyinsecurity #renewableenergy #solarenergy #climatechange #technology #innovation #justice #action #localizedclimateaction #energytransition

Solar Stewards is honored to join The NGO Whisperer® Centre For Social Impact Global Summit 2024 to speak on Sustainable Development Goal 7: Affordable Clean Energy. Thank you for the opportunity to focus on climate justice and equity on an international stage! Join us!! #solarenergy #climatejustice #SocialRECs #CSR #ESG #SDG #SDG2030

Generosity at work means different things to each generation, and understanding these differences can help create a more supportive and engaging workplace. 👩🏻💻 Gen Z (18-27): These entry-level employees are all about mental health, diversity, and sustainability. They’re quick to leave a job if they feel their company isn’t generous—whether that’s supporting employees, the community, or the planet. Burnout is a big issue for them, so mental health support is a top priority. 🧘 Millennials (27-42): As managers and mid-level execs, Millennials need empathy, flexibility, and practical help, like child care and emergency funds. They’re juggling a lot—work, kids, and debt—so they value a work culture that cares about their well-being. They want to be recognized for their hard work and appreciate leaders they can trust. 🤝 Gen X (43-59): Usually in leadership, Gen X wants to feel respected and appreciated. They’re less stressed about politics at work and more focused on balance, wellness, and having their good work celebrated. Even though they’re more settled, they’re still willing to switch jobs if they don’t feel supported. 👨🏻💼 Follow for more: https://buff.ly/3Ym5Mzo #mentalhealth #genz #millennials #genx #workculture