7 September – International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies
The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, established by the UN, raises global awareness and encourages collective action against air pollution. At EKOenergy, our work to promote the use of sustainable renewable energy strongly supports these objectives. Advancing renewables not only benefits the climate, but also addresses other challenges caused by dependence on fossil fuels and firewood — including air pollution, one of the greatest environmental health risks of our time.
By accelerating the energy transition to fight climate change across borders and sectors, we can also achieve cleaner air, stronger communities, and healthier ecosystems.
Renewable energy and clean air go hand in hand
Our Climate Fund is one way we support communities in low- and middle-income countries in transitioning to renewable energy — and thus towards cleaner air as well.
In many of the communities we support, the only available sources of energy are polluting fuels. With our financial support, we help these communities replace polluting lighting and diesel generators with safe, reliable solar solutions. In many places, kerosene lamps and open fires are still the main sources of light, significantly worsening air quality. Solar power provides immediate benefits — cleaner air, safer homes, and healthier communities.
From light to clean air: how our Climate Fund supports communities
In Cameroon, we have supported CCREAD-Cameroon in electrifying multiple rainforest health centers for three consecutive years. The 2024 grant brought electricity to five clinics, benefiting over 12,500 people in 41 communities. Previously, these centers relied on kerosene lamps or wood fires — now they have safe, reliable solar power. This year, the project will expand to five additional health centers.
In Madagascar, GRET established an Energy House in 2024 with EKOenergy’s financial support, where families can rent affordable solar lamps. For residents, this means healthier homes, safer nights, and children able to study in the evenings without smoke.
In Pakistan’s Balochistan region, HARD provided 223 solar home kits in 2024, reducing kerosene use in homes, schools, and clinics. Communities now enjoy brighter evenings, cleaner air, and new opportunities for education and income generation. We have supported similar work there for four consecutive years.
Through larger multi-year partnerships, such as our collaboration with SolarAid in Malawi, we are helping reach millions with clean, affordable solar lighting, replacing polluting kerosene lamps and wood fires.
In addition to health and education projects, we have supported numerous agricultural initiatives. These often introduce efficient solar irrigation and other innovations that allow farmers to grow more with the same — or less — land. Without access to clean and affordable energy, many are forced toward unsustainable practices like shifting cultivation, which releases smoke and carbon dioxide, worsening air pollution and climate change.
A shared responsibility for cleaner air and fighting climate change – get involved
Would you like to support renewable energy access in under-resourced communities and help reduce air pollution while fighting climate change? Switch to EKOenergy-labelled electricity by contacting your energy reseller. EKOenergy’s Climate Fund is supported by a minimum contribution of €0.10 per MWh from all EKOenergy users. It aims to extend the renewable energy transition by supporting local initiatives that deliver strong social and environmental benefits.
We also welcome additional contributions from corporate consumers. Larger contributions allow you to participate in selecting the projects and regions your support will reach. Please contact laura.blomberg@sll.fi for more information.
Published: 7 September 2025 / Laura Blomberg, Climate Fund Coordinator, EKOenergy
