In the face of the global climate crisis, GlobalGiving’s Climate Action Fund is supporting rural and Indigenous communities as they lead the way to a greener future with creativity and persistence.

As the effects of the global climate crisis worsen, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This Earth Day, we’re drawing hope from these five stories of community-based climate action from GlobalGiving’s Climate Action Fund.

1. Instituto de la Naturaleza y la Sociedad de Oaxaca, A.C. | Mexico
STORY BY JUAN JOSÉ CONSEJO, CO-FOUNDER

Years ago, lifelong farmer and Zapotec Indigenous man Don Pedro found himself unable to afford the synthetic fertilizers he needed to continue growing crops in Mexico’s Oaxaca watershed. Although he never finished elementary school, a lack of formal education didn’t stop Don Pedro from filling every important position in his town, from topil (community policeman) in his youth to president municipal (mayor) of Huayapam—and it certainly didn’t stop him from farming.

Don Pedro turned to Climate Action Fund leader Instituto de la Naturaleza y la Sociedad de Oaxaca, A.C., which offers workshops on soil conservation and organic farming, to learn new techniques. He took these learnings far beyond the classroom, becoming a leader and mentor for other environmentalists—and one of the biggest organic tomato producers in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca.

Read the full article about community action against the global climate crisis by Nic Forest at GlobalGiving.