Time to power up your future

Just three weeks ago we asked you to stand with us to protect our Mediterranean from the threat of the dirty and dangerous fossil fuels. And to share our vision of a pristine solar paradise.

So much has happened since then. Here are a few highlights:

Hundreds of volunteers, tourists and local residents, gathered on the most popular beaches of Spain, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Hungary and Slovenia to let the Mediterranean authorities know that it’s time to make use of what these countries are never lacking: sun and wind.

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We all know that switching to renewable energy is good for the environment, but did you know that it’s also the cheapest and safest way to help communities who are hit by the economic crisis and struggling to pay electricity bills for their homes, schools and hospitals?

In Greece, an ambitious crowdfunding project begun. The aim is to install solar panels for those in need and to help local people recover from the economic recession. Thanks to your help, a home for girls who have been orphaned and abused is the first to benefit from adequate heating, at no cost to their pockets or the surrounding environment.

What better way to show Mediterranean authorities that a solar-powered future is possible and we are more than ready for it? Now its time to move from one-off examples supported by Greenpeace and generous communities to comprehensive renewable energy plans by our governments.

The message to authorities is loud and clear: stop investing in dangerous and dirty plans and turn to a safe and clean energy future. To help make people’s voices heard we organised tours in Slovenia and Croatia.

As volunteers gathered more and more support, they promoted solar energy with “solarized-ice” drinks, music and phone charging, powered by a very special Solar kiosk.

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 In the south of Italy, volunteers made this video to ensure that everyone knows what our Paradise would look like if we keep going in the wrong direction.

The campaign is not over yet. People all around the world, across five continents, decided to join the Solar Paradise movement to demand action, not only to benefit Mediteranean communities but for everyone on the planet.

These are truly amazing initiatives but there’s still much more to do to ensure our politicians hear our call. We can’t do it without your help and we hope we can count on your support in the coming months.

Here are four things you can do now:

• Please sign this petition or share it with your friends and family.

• Share your photos, personalized messages and selfies with the hashtag #SolarParadise

• Share this video

• Enjoy your summer

Blogpost by Cristiana De Lia, Comms Coordinator at Greenpeace Central Eastern Europe