Models of climate action to be showcased daily by UN agency, ahead of Cancun parlay

A project to light up the Indian countryside with the power of the sun is one of 30 solutions to climate change to be showcased each day, starting today, in the month leading up to the next major meeting on the topic, according to the United Nations Evironmental Programme (UNEP).

The “30 ways in 30 days” initiative, launched one month before the start of the next conference of parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) scheduled from 29 November to 10 December in Cancun, Mexico, will release case studies of successful climate schemes that can be copied and scaled up around the world.

“Across the world, in myriad ways, from community-based programmes to entrepreneurial endeavours, solutions are available to help confront the challenges of climate change and to help countries, communities and businesses move towards low-emission climate-resilient growth,” UNEP said in a press release today.

“More could be done if Governments, corporations and communities scaled up this work,” it added.

One of the case studies featured is UNEP’s "Solar Loans for Solar Homes" in India where more than 60 per cent of Indian households have no access to reliable electricity supplies and depend on kerosene for light and on burning dung and wood for heat.

The solar loan programme, a partnership involving the UN Foundation, Shell Foundation and two of India's largest banking groups accelerated market penetration of solar lights in the Indian countryside and inspired several similar initiatives in India and elsewhere, the agency said.

Other projects to be featured include “Green Passports” for sustainable tourism, the “greening” of East African tea plantations, the massive potential of carbon financing in Africa and successful reforestation in Panama, UNEP said.