Bloomberg drops $5 million for off-grid solar lamp art in Africa

[sheshe2]

Solar power is the cheapest option for new electricity across much of the developing world, but financial support to purchase it is still needed. Bloomberg Philanthropies, Bloomberg's philanthropical body, has decided to fill that need for a large number of African families by sending along £3 million (~$5 million). However, it isn't 100% charity; it's a loan.

The £3 million will go to Little Sun, a company that is bringing solar lamps to people across Africa in order to replace dirty, health-damaging, and climate-damaging kerosene lamps. The £3 million is a low-interest loan, so Bloomberg is still expecting to make some money on it.



However, there's no denying that Bloomberg is a passionate advocate for climate action and improving public health. He was a strong leader on those points while New York City Mayor. Right after finishing his work as mayor, Bloomberg was appointed as the United Nations Special Envoy for Cities and Climate Change.

"Too many families are forced to breathe in toxic kerosene fumes because they don't have access to electricity," Bloomberg said. "Solar-powered lights can improve their health and at the same time, protect our environment by keeping pollutants out of the air they breathe."

Read More: http://www.treehugger.com/solar-technology/bloomberg-drops-5-million-grid-solar-lamp-art-africa.html

[Warpy]

1. This is good news

Some of the LED lamps are ingenious, like the one that comes in a bag which is then filled with dirt or rocks and used as a counterweight. One pull on the string to raise the bag is good for at least 20 minutes of LED light at full power. I hope this grant helps a variety of LED lighting producers.

Small solutions like this one work wonders.

[Jesus Malverde]

2. Fuck bloomberg

The reason he can give away his money is because he doesn't pay enough in taxes.

Fuck him and all the others who create foundations to launder their loot.