Accelerating Climate Action

Accelerating Climate Action

Accelerating Climate Action

Awareness> Opportunities> Action

Purpose of Climate Connection foundation

“Accelerate the AWARENESS of urgency in Climate Change, Impact, Justice and Solutions &
drive Climate Mitigation ACTION

Increase awareness on climate topics through education, on:

  • Climate change causes & impact
  • Climate Justice
  • Solutions & opportunities

Generate, spread & connect relevant projects & initiatives:

  • Identify
  • Generate
  • Visit
  • Connect & exchange

Urgency of climate awareness & action in Africa

  • With nearly 20% of the world’s population today, Africa accounts for less than 3% of the world’s energy‐related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to date and has the lowest emissions per capita of any region.
  • Africa is suffering disproportionately from climate change, a topic raised in Climate Justice efforts.
  • Africa has an estimated 40% of the world’s renewable energy resources, and only 2% ($60 billion) of US$3 trillion renewable energy investments in the last decade have come to Africa.
  • 43% of its total population (600 million people) still lack access to electricity, most of them in sub‐Saharan Africa.
  • The conservation, rehabilitation and climate-informed management of biodiversity and ecosystems increases will advance progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
  • Due to the information and awareness gap, Climate Education is considered one of the key solutions to accelarate Climate Action for mitigation and adaptation.

Background

  • Marjon Castelijns spent 8 years in Africa from 2009 to 2017, living in Uganda and working on a range of development projects in sub-Sahara Africa.
  • Since then, she has been working in Energy Transitionfor over 6 years in the Netherlands and gathered an immense amount of knew knowledge and experience.
  • It is now time to go backto combine her previous experience in East Africa with the climate and energy transition experience and knowledge and her “changemaker” and “networking” skills.
  • Marjon will tour East Africa with her 9-year-old daughter Ella, leaving mid September 2024, for about 9 months.
  • While enjoying the travel and reconnecting to Africa, Marjon aims to create the maximum positive impact possible on Climate Awareness and Action.
  • The goal is to increase climate awareness and climate action locally and between Europe and Africa and create lasting connections.

They will drive in a 100% electrified Land Rover Defender 110, charging on solar, and will organize workshops at schools along the route and bring companies, organisations and projects together during “Climate Connection Weeks’ in the main cities to generate and accelerate climate action.

Travel Plan 2024 -2025

  • Combine previous personal and professional experience in East Africa with the knowledge gained in the Netherlands on climate topics & education and networking skills
  • Re-connecting to Africa
  • Drive zero-emission in a retrofit 100% electric Land Rover Defender 110 4×4, solar charged
  • Create awareness on Climate Change and its impact in Eastern Africa in the region and Europe
  • Create the maximum positive impact possible during the trip:
    • Connect stakeholders in the region during workshops and project visits
    • Define concrete opportunities, actions and projects
    • Involve partners for continuation of activities after the trip
  • Building bridges between Europe and East Africa

Trip route

latest articles

Ella gaat 9 maanden door Afrika reizen

Ella and her mother are busy camping this summer. Not just for fun, they also practice for a special trip. They will travel, learn and

Team

Founder:

  • Marjon Castelijns

14 years in sustainability, 8 years in Africa, 5 years energy transition, 2 years education in energy transition.

Board:

  • Jelte Bosma

30 years in upstream Oil & Gas; 7 years in energy transition consultancy & education.

  • Godfrey Kiwumulo

10 years East African businessman, 3 years Founder Vanilla Point, regenerative Vanilla farming.

  • Anne Rietveld

17 years’ experience Research 4 Development in Africa (many different countries); Low-emission Food systems; Agroecology; Gender equality, youth and social inclusion.

  • Joost Brinkman

22 years sustainable energy experience, accelerator of numerous sustainability & climate initiatives such as co-founder of Cycle4Climate and SinkIt.

Volunteers

  • Eline Sanders
    Graduated Biology at Utrecht university. Eline will be supporting Climate Connection with strategy, content and preparation of the East Africa trip, and also support workshops and project visits during the travel in 2024-2025.

Team

Marjon Castelijns

Founder

14 years in sustainability, 8 years in Africa, 5 years energy transition, 2 years education in energy transition.

Board Members

Jelte Bosma

30 years in upstream Oil & Gas; 7 years in energy transition consultancy & education.

Godfrey Kiwumulo

10 years East African businessman, 3 years Founder Vanilla Point, regenerative Vanilla farming.

Anne Rietveld

17 years’ experience Research 4 Development in Africa (many different countries); Low-emission Food systems; Agroecology; Gender equality, youth and social inclusion.

Joost Brinkman

22 years sustainable energy experience, accelerator of numerous sustainability & climate initiatives such as co-founder of Cycle4Climate and SinkIt.

Volunteers

Eline Sanders

Graduated Biology at Utrecht university. Eline will be supporting Climate Connection with strategy, content and preparation of the East Africa trip, and also support workshops and project visits during the travel in 2024-2025.

Contact Us

want to join the connection?

Contact Marjon on: