International climate solutions
We are proud to support innovation in some of the world’s most marginalised communities.
People in the Global South are at greatest risk from the climate crisis, a deadly threat they did little to create. Many also go without clean and affordable energy, a crucial tool for creating a brighter future.
Climate solutions tackle these problems and create a fairer world – whether bringing solar power to farmers and refugees, or supporting Indigenous forest communities.
Our awards and programmes supercharge these solutions. They boost them with grants and publicity, and connect them with funders, investors and policymakers.
Ashden’s work in the Global South is shaped by our strategic focus on jobs, skills and livelihoods. The organisations we support are creating higher incomes in threatened and vulnerable groups, breaking down barriers between training and employment, and laying the foundations for inclusive low-carbon economies.
Thriving Forests
By strengthening the incomes and rights of local and Indigenous communities, we are empowering them to safeguard our global forests – a key defence against climate change.
Powering Clean Energy Investment
Ashden’s Powering Clean Energy Investment programme catalyses the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises in the Global South. This brings the benefits of energy access – from stronger local economies to better health, education and resilience – to more of the world’s most marginalised people.
Transforming Humanitarian Energy Access
With access to clean, affordable energy, refugees can raise their incomes and enjoy a better quality of life. But in order to succeed, solutions must be sustainable, tailored to individual communities, and create the full range of possible benefits – such as new jobs and skills for local people. For this reason, it’s vital to increase support for solutions led by displaced people themselves
Refugee-led energy access
Refugee-led initiatives have shown how clean, affordable energy can be delivered where it’s needed most. Importantly, they can do so while supporting local economic growth and social development, in ways not possible through the top-down approaches that have traditionally dominated the humanitarian system.
See how support for refugee-led organisations can drive inclusive, sustainable economic development.
Power Up
For two decades, we have sparked change with clean, affordable energy. The innovators we back have improved hundreds of thousands of lives, helping people learn, earn, cook safely and enjoy their free time. Their work has powered new businesses, lit up homes, and switched on schools and health clinics.
But one billion people lack access to the meaningful energy access needed to power productive and dignified livelihoods.
That’s why we’ve launched Power Up – a coalition campaign urging greater investment and support for energy access. Power Up is amplifying Africa’s call for change, and putting the spotlight on organisations working directly with affected communities.
Growing natural climate solutions
Around the world, Indigenous communities are guardians of the forests and waterways that protect us all from the effects of climate change. That’s why Ashden boosts the projects and organisations helping these communities defend their rights and develop sustainable ways to earn a living. From Brazil to Borneo, we support a better future for marginalised Indigenous people.
To achieve our goals we are working with fellow members of the Sainsbury Family Charitable Trust on a common diversity, equity and inclusion policy. In recent years we have taken practical steps such as improving the diversity of our board and awards judging panels, and introducing inclusive recruitment measures. But there is much more to do – so we pledge to continue investing in action, and to monitoring and sharing the results of our efforts.
Time for action
We need a transformation, one driven by communities and the frontline enterprises and organisations that serve and understand them. We know these innovators have the skills and tools to push things forward. We’ve seen it happen. But real progress will only come with the backing of committed investors and funders, informed policymakers, and supportive charities and NGOs.
If you can help, we want to work with you. We bring connections to frontline organisations and key players in the global climate sector – as well as high-impact stories and films, incisive analysis, and a hunger for radical action.Â
Kenyan innovator shows power of homegrown solutions
In Kenya’s Kakuma Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement, a refugee-led business turns household and agricultural waste into an affordable, sustainable cooking fuel.
The success and growth of Rafiki Wa Mazingira has been accelerated by Ashden, as part of the Transforming Humanitarian Energy Access programme. Our partnership with Rafiki wa Mazingira has important lessons for funders and the humanitarian sector. It shows the impact of empowering refugee-led organisations, and the need to devolve decision-making to those with local expertise.
Guardians of the Land: Supporting Climate Action by Indigenous Peoples
Guardians of the Land shares key insights from five groundbreaking initiatives from the forests of Indonesia, Peru, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Brazil. These insights will support funders to identify and channel money to effective, inclusive projects in these countries and beyond.
Energising agriculture: Funding trailblazing solutions for marginalised farmers
This briefing draws key insights from four inspiring organisations energising agriculture among marginalised communities in Africa and India. Each operates as a ‘farmer-allied’ intermediary, and their success underscores the power of such intermediaries to facilitate inclusive access to technologies, markets, and services.
A guide to scaling refugee-led energy access solutions
Our shorter briefing features a summary of the energy challenges faced by displaced people, and the potential for refugee-led organisations to create change.
It includes examples of innovation, and recommendations for action by funders and the humanitarian sector.
Financing refugee-led clean energy initiatives
Our in-depth report shows the unique power of refugee-led organisations to create access to clean, affordable energy. It explores in detail the common finance challenges faced by these innovators, and how funders can respond.
The report presents insights from refugee entrepreneurs and other stakeholders in Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda. It features contextual information, case studies of success and practical recommendations.