New York, NY – In a bold step towards a sustainable future, the “Our Own Power” (OOP) network will officially launch on September 18th, 2024, ahead of the highly anticipated UN Summit of the Future. The network, an unprecedented global collaboration, will unite hundreds of community energy groups and climate justice organizations with a shared vision: to empower local communities by advancing decentralized, 100% renewable energy systems rooted in justice and equity.
The devastating impact of Storm Boris is a stark reminder of the growing intensity of extreme weather events fueled by climate change. As the climate crisis intensifies, the Our Own Power network provides a timely and transformative solution. Building community-driven renewable energy projects are at the heart of this initiative, offering a powerful response to the hold of fossil fuel corporations and their detrimental impact on people and the planet. Through the OOP network, communities worldwide are reclaiming power—literally and figuratively—by generating clean energy that is accessible, affordable, and democratically controlled.
Martha Myers coordinator of the project said:
“ Community renewables are an act of climate justice. In every corner of the globe, communities are coming together to build safe, affordable and reliable energy. From projects led by Indigenous people on the front line of the fight against fossil fuels, to projects in inner cities fighting against spiraling energy prices and air pollution, it’s time to accelerate the transition and build our own power.
“The need for a just and sustainable energy system has never been more urgent. Fossil fuel companies have left almost 1 billion in the dark across the world. Everyone deserves access to clean, affordable energy. The Our Own Power network is not just about generating clean energy; it’s about shifting power from corporations to communities and ensuring that everyone, regardless of where they live, has access to safe, affordable, and reliable energy.”
Rukiya Khamis, Africa Senior Organizer said:
“The Our Own Power Global Network is more than a movement; it is our collective resistance to fossil fuel exploitation and a pledge to reclaim our future. By embracing community-owned renewable energy, we are not only championing climate justice but also building a future where our resources benefit the many, not the few. Together, we are crafting a new narrative of equity, sustainability, and resilience. Join us as we reimagine what’s possible and forge a path toward a brighter, more just world.”
Key Objectives of the OOP Network:
– Empower Communities: Support local leaders in establishing renewable energy projects that promote energy independence, resilience, and energy stability.
– Promote Climate Justice: Ensure marginalized and frontline communities, who have historically borne the brunt of fossil fuel extraction, are at the forefront of the energy transition.
– Foster Global Collaboration: Connect communities across continents to share resources, knowledge, and strategies for building a fossil-free future.
The network will officially launch to align with the UN Summit of the Future, where global leaders will discuss solutions to the most pressing challenges of our time. This launch is the beginning of a global movement, one that will continue to grow with a series of activities, including a launch webinar on October 1st aimed at deepening engagement and platforming climate justice at the heart of community energy groups across the world.
“Everyone is welcome to join the movement to play our part in ending the fossil-fueled era. We are calling for community leaders, activists, and the general public to build community energy projects and campaigns in their area. Everyone has a skill to give. Together, we can dismantle the dominance of fossil fuel corporations, combat climate change, and create a brighter, more equitable future for all.” Martha Myers
About Our Own Power:
The Our Own Power network is a global network of community energy groups and frontline climate justice groups working together to accelerate the transition to decentralized, 100% renewable energy systems. The network provides resources, training, and a supportive community to empower local leaders and ensure that the benefits of clean energy are shared equitably across the world.
Our Own Power is a project created by 350.org, an international movement of ordinary people working to end the age of fossil fuels and build a world of community-centered renewable energy for all. We are calling for a deeper transition, one which places energy justice at the beating heart of its values. We are moving forward into the world we want to see, leaving no one behind. And we are doing this with the urgency the climate crisis demands of us.
For more information about the OOP network and how to get involved, please visit https://ourownpower.org/en/
