Rising to the triple challenge: climate change, air pollution, and energy poverty

In the realm of sports, High Impact Athletes are renowned for their determination, resilience, and ability to conquer obstacles. But there exists a more formidable challenge that extends beyond the confines of our playing fields: the triple challenge of climate change, energy poverty, and air pollution.

Human activities, particularly the consumption of fossil fuels, are driving these pressing global issues, resulting in drastic climate changes, hazardous air pollution causing millions of premature deaths, and the entrapment of nearly a billion individuals in energy poverty.

Since the advent of the Industrial Revolution, our planet has warmed by over a degree Celsius. Despite our aspirations to cap this rise at 2 degrees, current policies put us on a trajectory that could see temperatures soaring by more than 3 degrees.

Air pollution, largely fueled by our dependence on fossil fuels, claims the lives of five million people each year. Transitioning to cleaner energy sources, such as solar, wind, and nuclear power, holds the key to a healthier future for all.

Meanwhile, energy poverty persists as an overlooked crisis. Close to a billion people lack access to reliable electricity, and nearly three billion resort to biomass for cooking, resulting in death from preventable causes, severe health consequences, and an increased reliance on fossil fuels. 

At High Impact Athletes, we are mobilizing collective action to confront these challenges head-on. Our mission goes beyond supporting mere carbon offset schemes that provide temporary solutions without addressing the underlying causes of the triple challenge. Instead, we are empowering our athletes and supporters to make high-impact donations that create lasting systemic change.

Through the work of the research team at Founders Pledge, we direct athletes' toward advocacy, supporting pioneering initiatives and boosting innovative technologies. Founders Pledge has conducted detailed research into the triple challenge, offering valuable insights and recommendations for donors focused on climate change*. Their work highlights the importance of considering the impact and tradeoffs involved in addressing climate-related issues.

We champion the development and advocacy of often overlooked low-carbon technologies that have the potential to reshape our energy landscapes, particularly in emerging economies. These groundbreaking strategies include carbon capture and storage (CCS), expanded utilization of nuclear power, deep-rock geothermal energy, and advancements in clean heavy-duty transport, all of which can significantly reduce our global carbon footprint.

Our focus extends to breaking the correlation between increased energy consumption and reliance on fossil fuels, enabling developing nations to prosper while mitigating climate change. By endorsing Clean Air Task Force and the Founders Pledge Climate Fund, we seek to influence broader climate conversations, catalyze government and private climate spending, and speed up the transition to a clean and energy abundant future. 

In conclusion, while the triple challenge of climate change, air pollution, and energy poverty may appear daunting, it is by no means insurmountable. We already have many of the solutions. As athletes, we are well-versed in perseverance, teamwork, and strategic action - qualities that can lead us to victory against this global crisis. By supporting innovative solutions and making high-impact donations, we not only mitigate climate risks but also nurture healthier, more prosperous, and equitable global communities.

As individuals and teams, we have incredible influence. Sports fans look up to us, kids want to play, act, and do what athletes do. Imagine the impact we could make by showing true ambition to fight climate change. We do this by taking ambitious actions to support the organizations that are going way beyond offsetting and by encouraging others to think differently and act boldly.

So why not join us? Join our extraordinary athletes in becoming optimistic changemakers and pledge your support to one of our exceptional climate charities at www.highimpactathletes.org/givenow.

Because when it comes to building a sustainable world, we are all on the same team.

*https://founderspledge.com/stories/climate-change-executive-summary