Philanthropy helps accelerate the transition from dirty coal to clean energy.
Coal emits toxic pollutants that make people sick, contaminate water, and drive planet-warming emissions. To eliminate this major threat, a diverse coalition led by the Sierra Club launched the Beyond Coal Campaign in 2002 to stop proposed new coal plants in the pipeline, retire the existing dirty coal fleet, address the impacts of coal mining, and replace coal with clean energy.
What was initially a state-by-state effort seeded by a group of small foundations grew to a national campaign and collaborative philanthropic investment of more than $250 million as more people joined the fight to bring cleaner energy to their communities and the nation.
This work is now part of a series of global coal campaigns, transforming our energy sector and creating a healthier future. Continuing this progress toward 100 percent clean energy is essential to tackle the climate crisis, provide clean air and water, improve public health, and address environmental justice.