What happens when over 200 climate activists from across the world come together in the same room? Sparks fly, energy fills the air, and a powerful current of change surges forward. It’s a living demonstration of the renewables revolution unfolding.
Welcome to this very special edition of our newsletter. We’re taking you inside the Renew Our Power Gathering, a vibrant week during 13 – 17 April where we brought together climate activists, organizers, and leaders from more than 70 countries into the heart of Brazil.
200+ climate activists from over 70 countries with Brazilian Environment and Climate Change Minister Marina Silva at the Renew Our Power Gathering in Brazil. Photo: 350.org / Kathleen Lei Limayo
The Gathering was a space to listen, connect, find strength in numbers – grounded in the belief that a just and prosperous future is ours to make. From the stage to the streets, we shared stories, strengthened alliances, and ignited a global push for climate justice and community-led renewable energy.
Alongside making headlines in Brazil and worldwide, we tapped into something deeper: our collective climate consciousness. This is our shared humanity that drives us – to protect the people we love, the places we call home, and the natural resources that sustain us. When we come together, we are stronger than ever.
We hope that as you read on, you too feel that spark of our collective climate consciousness awakening in you…
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Movement Updates Discover our latest actions demanding climate solutions & energy justice
Marching for climate justice
To mark the beginning of Renew Our Power, we marched with over 6,000 Indigenous Peoples at Brazil’s largest Indigenous mobilization, Free Land Camp (Acampamento Terra Livre in Portuguese) calling for protection of Indigenous lands and climate justice. We formalized our solidarity through a powerful declaration from the Amazon, Pacific, and Australia: The Answer is Us. Our delegation of Renew Our Power activists also delivered a letter signed by 180+ organizations to COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago, demanding an end to fossil fuels, a just energy transition, and centering Indigenous and traditional leadership during this year’s UN Climate Summit. Have a look!
Building our collective power
We then began our five-day Renew Our Power Gathering where activists, allies, and communities from more than 70 countries shared inspiring stories of resistance and grassroots renewable energy solutions. Through art, action, conversation, and even shared meals, we strengthened connections, built solidarity, and expanded our movement rooted in justice. But the moment isn’t over, you can still be part of it. Watch the powerful panels from the gathering, broadcast in four languages to 50+ countries, on how community-led renewable energy is challenging injustice and transforming lives
Resisting through art
On Day 3 of the Gathering, activists turned to art to demand climate justice outside Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They called for a direct response to the COP30 letter delivered at Free Land Camp. The protest became a powerful act of “artivism” (where art meets activism) featuring solar panels and a striking banner by Brazilian artist Mundano. As Mundano said, “Artivism speaks where data fails—sparking emotion, reflection, and urgency.” The message is clear: we need bold, visible action now.
Bringing people back into politics
On the final day of Renew Our Power, we saw our voices rise and claim space in the political agenda. Brazilian Environment and Climate Change Minister Marina Silva, a lifelong defender of our planet, joined us to close the gathering with a powerful message of hope and urgency. Her presence proved our call is breaking through. “Climate justice and a just energy transition need to be increasingly reinforced and considered at all stages of the negotiation and planning process (of COP30). This is the only thing that will save us.”, she said. And we carry that truth forward together – louder and stronger. The renewables revolution is unstoppable!
Climate Jargon Unpack the terms & concepts being used by climate activists & experts
Community Energy
Community or community-led energy refers to small renewable energy projects owned by local communities like neighborhoods, cooperatives, and small businesses.
It offers an alternative energy system that serves and supports citizens in the transition to renewables. Worldwide, there are many communities investing in locally based, collectively owned renewable energy projects such as rooftop solar, local wind turbines, and micro-hydropower plants. Energy produced by these projects can be used to power everything from homes and schools to businesses and public buildings.
Unlike global energy companies and markets, which focus on profit, community energy allows people to be both producers and consumers of energy or “prosumers”. This helps create a fairer and stronger energy system that benefits everyone, and rather than lining the pockets of a few.
Find out why community energy is the future and discover stories of renewable energy communities in action!
Community Spotlight Be inspired by stories & interviews of real people who are fighting for a just energy transition
From grassroots to government: energy transition stories from Puerto Rico and Uruguay
Watch our exclusive Renew Our Power Gathering stories on how community action and government leadership are powering a renewable energy future.
After Hurricanes Fiona and Maria, power outages lasting up to a year claimed thousands of lives in Puerto Rico, an island territory heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels. In this short documentary, Arturo Massol-Deyá of Casa Pueblo in Adjuntas shares how a grassroots, community-led energy transition is building resilience, energy independence, and hope in the face of climate disasters and colonialism. Full story here.
Faced with rising oil prices and energy insecurity, Uruguay chose a bold new path of renewable energy. Led by Ramón Méndez, then Director of Energy, this South American nation proved that with political will and public support, a just, national energy transition is possible. Watch the video to see how, in just ten years, Uruguay shifted from 60% fossil fuel dependence to 98% renewable energy, cutting energy costs in half, and paving the way for prosperity. Full story here.
Renewable Rundown Get informed on big numbers, key facts and important news
89%
Is the percentage of people in the world who want stronger action to fight the climate crisis.
Surprising right? Or is it? Too often, we feel like our voices are alone, like our concerns are shared by just a few. But the truth is different. In fact, A groundbreaking global survey of 130,000 people across 125 countries has now revealed that 89% of the world’s population believes their national governments should do more to fight climate change.
This isn’t just a statistic. It’s a movement. We’ve said before, there is strength in numbers, and now we see it: we are the majority.
So, it’s time to also make that clear to our leaders. By raising our voices, we can create the tipping point that forces governments to take bold, urgent action required to tackle this crisis.
Your Power Support us in demanding real climate action
Get ready for something BIG!
Photo: Kathleen Lei Limayo
We need YOU to join the largest global mobilization ahead of COP30, happening on 20-21 September. This is our moment to rise, unite, and demand real climate action. Together, we can stop the chaos and take control of our future. Don’t miss out, let’s make our voices heard!
Energize Build your skills to tackle the climate crisis and widen our movement
Change begins with boldness and the willingness to dream beyond boundaries. To transform our future, we must imagine it together. And our movement needs your vision. Share your radical ideas for the world we need and the world you want to see, by clicking the link below:
