Conservation and environmental protection are paramount. It is crucial to highlight organizations dedicated to facilitating positive change responsibly. Finding trustworthy organizations that utilize donations effectively can be a challenge. This led to the creation of this series, aiming to spotlight such organizations and encourage support for their missions.

HER Planet Earth: Empowering Women and Combating Climate Change

We begin our series with HER Planet Earth. Recently, I had the privilege of discussing its mission with founder Christine Amour-Levar, who shared her insights.

The Objective of HER Planet Earth

HER Planet Earth is committed to empowering women affected by climate change and inspiring them to become catalysts for social and economic equity, ultimately contributing to a healthier planet. Frustration over the ongoing environmental crises prompted Christine to establish this movement. Reports of ecosystem destruction, ocean pollution, and the impacts of climate change on impoverished communities were increasingly alarming. Through extensive research, she recognized that while climate change is a global issue, its effects vary locally, causing the most harm to marginalized populations. Notably, gender dynamics often remain overlooked in discussions about climate change. Consequently, Christine founded an NGO to specifically address the challenges women face due to environmental changes. Female empowerment is fundamentally intertwined with climate change. An alarming 70% of the world’s 1.3 billion impoverished individuals are women, making them particularly susceptible during crises. In many regions, women endure the greatest impacts of climate change, largely due to their significant roles in agriculture and limited access to economic opportunities.

Despite their vulnerability, women remain integral to tackling climate change. Investing in and empowering women offers an effective solution, particularly when it involves fostering eco-friendly livelihoods.

HER Planet Earth’s Mission

The primary goal of HER Planet Earth is to enhance awareness and financial support for underprivileged women affected by climate change, ultimately increasing their resilience. The organization seeks to empower women to become policymakers and agents of change, advocating for social equity and a sustainable planet.

Expeditions and Their Purpose

The expeditions organized by HER Planet Earth serve to raise both awareness and funds for initiatives that uplift women globally.

As a volunteer-based organization, all team members contribute their time and resources without pay. Expedition participants cover their own travel expenses and are also encouraged to fundraise for charity partners. Funds are directed to charities that support women’s initiatives. The expeditions are designed to challenge participants physically and mentally, pushing them beyond their comfort zones. Preparation is key, and participants are expected to engage in rigorous training prior to joining.

Strategic Partnerships

HER Planet Earth actively collaborates with advocates for nature, environmentalists, adventurers, and organizations dedicated to fostering gender equality and sustainable development. By increasing visibility and engaging in fundraising campaigns, HER Planet Earth has successfully raised approximately three-quarters of a million dollars to support various conservation projects. This funding has facilitated concrete initiatives, such as hiring more women to care for injured elephants in Africa and promoting plastic recycling in the Philippines. Additionally, the organization has supported training programs for women in sustainable agriculture. Partnerships extend to initiatives focused on coral restoration involving local women and fisherfolk in the Philippines, as well as efforts in Southeast Asia aimed at helping women farmers enhance resilience against climate change.

How to Get Involved

Interested individuals can contribute in several ways:

1. Join one of the expeditions to make a meaningful impact on the lives of women affected by climate change. For more information, please email connect@herplanetearth.com
2. Support charity partners, such as UN Women, by donating to strengthen their programs for underprivileged women in Asia. Donations can be made via this page: here
3. Volunteers are always welcome to contribute to awareness and fundraising efforts. Contact us to join our extensive network of partners by emailing connect@herplanetearth.com.

For further insights into individuals making a difference, visit the “Changemakers” page.