One of great things the Connect4Climate team loves, is running into the wonderful grassroots "green" initiatives around the world. Today, we wanted to highlight this campaign to support local Kenyan innovators, commonly known as "jua kali" or the practice of making small scale crafts, usually done outside in make-shift operations.
This project, however, is anything but small scale in its ambition in trying to solve the energy poverty for Kenyans. Using what is basically found materials, the engineers were able to build a small wind generator that actually generates electricity three times cheaper than solar panels and far cheaper than the grid.
This is an ingenious undertaking that provides a locally-built solution to several problems. It addresses Kenya's clean energy poverty, where most of the country still uses wood, kerosene, diesel and candle light for energy. The innovators are also looking to create local green jobs.
We can't think of a better project to submit to the UN's 'Future We Want' platform. Primarily, this initiative is one of the best examples the UN could have used in its Zero Draft language that is heavy on inclusive innovative "green" development. In particular, section 4 and 5 of the Zero Draft's Preamble has specific language calling for a commitment to supporting "green economies" and "poverty eradication."
This is the marriage of a global development initiatives mirroring what is already being undertaken by the grassroots. If sustainable green economies are the future, it is really good to see that everyone is already on the same page. Policy push on one side, innovative grassroots "green" startups on the other.
You can lend your support towards this wind turbine project by donating through their IndieGOGO page. The project is looking for $25,000 in funding and is currently half-way funded. Here is to discovering more projects like this.
