How we determine which charities meet Earthtopian’s standards…

In 2021, UNEP outlined its six-sector solution to climate change, which can reduce 29–32 gigatons of carbon dioxide by 2030 to meet the 1.5°C warming limit. The six sectors identified are: energy; industry; agriculture and food; nature-based solutions; transport; and buildings and cities. For our purposes, we have added a seventh sector: people. This final sector pulls on our value of equity and justice to ensure that those who have contributed least to the problem of global warming no longer continue to suffer the most. Every charity we have chosen to support is doing work in one or more of these seven sectors.

THE SEVEN SECTORS

What the charities we are supporting are doing to make a difference in each sector:

1: ENERGY GOALS

• Increase access to green energy 
• Improve energy efficiency 
• Reduce reliance on fossil fuels by replacing coal subsidies with incentives for seeking renewable energy sources

2: INDUSTRY GOALS

• Implement carbon pricing (cap and trade) to encourage sustainable alternatives to pollutants
• Increase efficiency standards 
• Develop and promote low emission industrial processes

3: AGRICULTURE AND FOOD GOALS

• End food waste 
• Increase climate-friendly farming 
• Eat seasonal, local and plant-based foods

4: NATURE-BASED GOALS

• Empower and assist indigenous populations to protect and regenerate ecosystems 

5: TRANSPORT GOALS

• Improve access to electric vehicles 
• Increase access to public transportation
• Incentivize the use of non-motorized and zero-emissions vehicles

6: BUILDINGS AND CITIES GOALS

• Implement sustainable, carbon-neutral building practices 
• Retrofit older buildings 
• Improve energy efficiency of appliances, heating, cooling, and lighting systems
• Invest in green spaces

7: PEOPLE

• Caring for those most affected by climate change by giving them sustainable access to water, food, energy and healthcare
• Empowering people to take better care of themselves, their homes and their families
• Increasing public awareness of the urgency of climate change

To qualify as an Earthtopian charity, an organization must show a track record of success working toward one or more of these goals.