In 2017, Hurricane Maria destroyed or damaged 90 percent of Dominica’s structures, among other significant destruction throughout the Caribbean. Since then, it’s been a long road to recovery. Y.CO has partnered with a non-profit specializing in helping critical geographies cut their greenhouse gas emissions to benefit the island communities that yachting clients treasure. And, Y.CO charter clients like you can help.
The non-profit is RMI, dating to 1982. With offices around the world, it provides market-driven solutions to communities with an eye toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions at least 50 percent by 2030. Initially, the partnership with RMI is seeing Y.CO investing $20,000 in a solar microgrid project. This will supply upwards of 60 percent of the electricity that two primary schools in Dominica need. It further represents more than a day off the traditional electric grid. Furthermore, the solar grid should keep the power on even after extreme storms.
Additionally, Y.CO yacht charter clients can donate one percent of the fee. Specifically, it goes to RMI’s Island Energy Program. Among other things, the program helps island residents learn to use their natural resources to create clean energy. Therefore, this not only aims at reducing carbon emissions, but also creating jobs, improving their health, and steadying electricity costs. It further should strengthen climate resilience throughout the Caribbean.
Vikram Singh, senior principal and program director of RMI Global South Program, says climate change has some of its most dramatic effects on the region. However, the people “are standing up to the challenge and pioneering resilient energy solutions.” Singh adds, “RMI is excited to be working with Y.CO to direct more funding and support to scale these solutions.”
Y.CO’s CEO and co-founder, Charlie Birkett, says his team and Y.CO yacht charter customers want to see positive impact. “Our goal is not only to operate ethically and sustainably, but also to contribute to the communities that support yachting,” he explains. “We strive to leave our industry in a better state than we found it in, and we believe that investing in sustainable practices and supporting local initiatives is one step towards achieving this goal.”
RMI rmi.org
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