Health Systems Strengthening
Climate change poses significant threats to human health, including increased risks from air and water pollution, extreme weather events, and the spread of infectious diseases. Strengthening health systems is crucial for building resilient communities that can effectively respond to these challenges. In addition, women are disproportionately impacted by the health consequences of climate change as they bear the primary responsibility for household and caregiving duties, making them particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate-related disruptions such as water scarcity, flooding, high temperatures (especially in pregnancy) and food insecurity.
Health Systems Strengthening Innovations Include:
Prioritizing primary care services, including reproductive and maternal health, laboratory services and pharmaceuticals provided in a one stop shop model decreases disease burden, travel time and inconsistent care. In emergencies, these services are the first to be diverted or discontinued to meet the crisis.
Strengthening Community Health Workers (CHWs) who can identify, monitor and report climate-sensitive diseases like malaria, dengue, and cholera, which are linked to rising temperatures, floods and changes in rainfall pattern. Well equipped, trained and paid CHWs can provide prenatal care, safe delivery support, postnatal care for mothers and infants as well as essential medications and hygiene kits.
Providing psychological support for mental health, which is wholly underfunded or unavailable in developing countries. In a climate crisis, urgent or longstanding, mental health suffers, violence against women increases and coping mechanisms are challenged.
Health Systems Strengthening - Our Partners
Resilient Food Systems
We believe in building sustainable and equitable food systems that prioritize community-led approaches and support small-scale producers who employ agroecological and regenerative farming practices, enhancing food security while protecting the environment. In contrast to dominant industrial food systems (which often prioritizes profit over sustainability and marginalizes local producers), we champion models that empower farmers, protect biodiversity, and strengthen local economies. By investing in community-led solutions, we aim to create a food system that nourishes people and the planet.
Resilient Food Systems Innovations Include:
Adopting farming techniques that are resilient to climate change, such as drought-resistant crops, improved water management through techniques like drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting, and agroforestry practices that integrate trees into farming systems to enhance soil health and provide shade.
Harnessing solar and wind power for irrigation, powering farm equipment, and processing agricultural products can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
Encouraging the use of organic and sustainable fertilizer alternatives, such as compost, green manure, and cover crops, to improve soil health, reduce reliance on harmful chemicals, and enhance soil fertility.
Utilizing mobile applications to provide farmers with access to real-time weather data, climate forecasts, and best practices for climate-smart agriculture, empowering them to make informed decisions and adapt to changing conditions.
Resilient Food Systems - Our Partners
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
Access to safe, clean water and sanitation is fundamental for human health and well-being. One of the most disastrous impacts of climate change is the destruction of precious water resources that are the life-source of vulnerable communities. This impact poses significant threats, including increased water scarcity and salinity, flooding, and the spread of waterborne diseases.
Recognizing the critical role of community engagement, we believe that community-managed WASH solutions are essential. These locally-driven approaches prioritize human rights and justice, empowering communities to manage and improve their own water and sanitation systems.
WASH Innovations Include:
Developing and implementing water supply systems that can withstand droughts, floods, and other climate-related impacts. Implementing wastewater treatment systems that are resilient to climate change impacts and minimize environmental pollution.
Promoting awareness and knowledge about healthy hygiene practices and the importance of clean water and sanitation.
Integrating WASH considerations into food production systems to ensure food safety and reduce the risk of waterborne diseases.
Advocating for policies and programs that address the specific needs and challenges faced by women and girls in accessing and using WASH services.
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene - OUR PARTNERS
Energy Access
Ensuring equitable and sustainable access to clean energy is crucial for human development and environmental sustainability. We support initiatives that promote the adoption of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and biomass energy, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, we prioritize expanding access to affordable and reliable energy services for all members of the community, particularly women and marginalized groups including access to clean and affordable energy for cooking, lighting, and other essential needs. We believe in the importance of developing local energy markets that empower communities to generate, distribute, and trade renewable energy for all.
Energy Access Innovations Include:
Implementing diverse solar energy systems, from small-scale home systems for lighting and phone charging to large-scale power plants and specialized applications like solar-powered water pumping for clean water access in rural and remote areas.
Driving innovations in solar technology, such as efficient panels, improved battery storage, and grid integration, to expand access to affordable solar energy. for water pumping to enhance access to clean water for drinking, irrigation, and other essential purposes.
Adopting clean cookstoves and cooking solutions, including improved biomass stoves, biogas digesters, and electric cookstoves, to reduce indoor air pollution and improve respiratory health, particularly among women and children.
Empowering women in all stages of energy planning, development, and implementation by supporting women-led enterprises and providing access to training and skills development in the renewable energy sector.
