With support from his global community of Climate Leaders, Phurpa began installing donated solar panels to survivors who were left without electricity. The response was started just two days after the earthquake and is ongoing.

As someone who comes from one of the villages, he understands their needs and struggles in ways that foreign NGOs cannot. He knew electricity was important, and even before the earthquake, Nepal was seeing the effects of climate change. Phurpa notes that there are other NGOs providing food, shelter, medicine, and water. He notes that their contribution is modest, but we find it notable for having long-term effects and drawing on local talent.

“Nobody wants to be left in the dark. You may remember how scary a black out was when you were a young person. Psychologically, these people have lost a sense of security, as they’re now trying to get back on their feet in the dark, some even with missing family members.”

It’s also essential to make sure aid workers have light and electricity to do their work. Sourcing diesel energy is very expensive and reduces the amount of food and water aid groups can bring in.