Cool Earth: Protecting endangered rainforests by empowering local people

An approach to strengthen communities to halt rainforest deforestation

The Problem

Rainforest destruction is a major problem that contributes to climate change.Many local communities can halt rainforest destruction, but many of these communities need to be strengthened in order to do so, due to economic insecurity and lack of basic resources.

The Solution

Cool Earth is a nonprofit that works with indigenous villages in areas on the verge of deforestation.. Cool Earth partners with villages, who decide how to use funds. Projects have included providing clean water, bed nets, new classrooms, and health trainings. By strengthening the communities on the frontline of rainforest destruction, the rainforests are also protected. A charity advisor called Giving What It Can estimated Cool Earth could reduce carbon dioxide at $0.81 per ton, which is the most cost effective approach of all they surveyed.