Frequently Asked Questions

What is the People's Climate Project mission?
Answer: The mission of the People's Climate Project is to change the way we change the climate by implementing real, on-the-ground projects that simultaneously mitigate climate change and benefit those that will be most affected. We design our projects to be sustainable, that is, equitable socially, viable economically, and environmentally friendly. We accomplish this by providing appropriate energy efficiency projects, education and related services to low-income individuals, groups and communities across the United States that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide cost-savings.

Who operates the People's Climate Project?
Answer: The People's Climate Project is operated by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). NCAT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps people by championing small-scale, local, and sustainable solutions to reduce poverty, promote healthy communities, and protect natural resources. In addition, NCAT is one of America's oldest energy conservation and renewable energy organizations. We've been working on energy issues with low-income advocacy groups for over 30 years. We know exactly how to reach the people in greatest need.

To learn more about NCAT and the work that we do, visit our website at www.ncat.org.

What's the link between climate change and low-income people?
Answer: Low-income and other disadvantaged households have unaffordable home energy bills and pay a disproportionate amount of household income towards those bills in comparison with higher income households. With rising temperatures, human lives—particularly in low-income, senior, and minority communities—are affected by compromised health, social and cultural disruptions, and financial burdens. These communities are the first to experience the negative impacts of climate change such as heat-related illness and death, respiratory illness, infectious diseases, and extreme natural disasters. Financially, rising fossil fuel energy prices caused indirectly by climate change or directly by increased demand and decreasing supply, cause low-income and other disadvantaged households to pay an increasingly disproportionate amount of household income toward energy bills in comparison with higher income households. As fossil fuel prices continue to rise, the energy costs of these groups will reach an unaffordable level.

The People's Climate Project works to address the human side of climate change, bringing people together to help their neighbors and help the Earth. By working to increase energy efficiency and reduce fossil fuel consumption, our projects save these vulnerable people money and reduce their contribution to global climate change by reducing their carbon dioxide emissions. In turn, these reductions can moderate the other effects of climate change on a large-scale.

Why energy efficiency?
Answer: It makes sense. Improving energy efficiency in households which are at the greatest risk from changes in energy prices and the effects of climate change can be easily accomplished through things like weatherization improvements, ENERGY STAR appliance installation, and energy-efficient lighting replacement. This results in lower energy bills for the residents as well as reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The potential of a wide-spread increase in energy efficiency and conservation to mitigate climate change is immense and cost-effective.

How is this project related to carbon offsets?
Answer: A "carbon offset" is generated by the reduction, avoidance, or sequestration of greenhouse gas emissions from a specific project. For example, wind energy companies often sell carbon offsets: the wind energy company benefits because with the money from the sale the carbon future carbon offsets, it can build new windmills. The buyers of the offsets benefit because they can claim that their purchase resulted in there pollution being offset, therefore mitigating their own greenhouse gas emissions. This is useful because in many instances it is less expensive to pay someone else to offset carbon that for industry to do it itself. Recently, carbon offsets have received criticism due to lack of regulation in the voluntary carbon market resulting in buyers purchasing offsets that do not yield any real reduction in carbon emissions. The People's Climate Project shares these concerns. Until a single accepted standard for verifying carbon offsets exists, participating in this market is a precarious endeavor. Systems for verifying offsets are evolving and we are watching to see how our approach might best adapt. The People's Climate Project believes that climate change demands immediate, drastic action and that those people affected be included in solutions. We are not in the business of selling carbon offsets. Instead, we hope to collect donations and resources that will go directly to local projects that help families cope with the increasingly high energy prices, simultaneously enabling individuals and organizations to take immediate action to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change. In this respect, we see that people themselves can make decisions that are not only beneficial economically but also part of the solution to global climate change.

What can I do about climate change?
Answer: We all play a part in solving climate change. Small steps in our daily lives can make a big difference, if we all work together. For example, carpooling, using compact fluorescent light bulbs and turning your thermostat down a few degrees are all small steps that you can take to ensure a better future for generations to come. Many of these solutions also have the potential to save you money, either directly or with a small investment. Check out our Reduce Your Impact page for more tips on how to reduce your carbon footprint.

Where will my donation money go?
Answer: As a donor, you are given the opportunity to designate gifts to specific projects or for specific energy efficient appliances. Donations designated for a particular project or appliance are used as requested until that need is fully met. Any remaining money is put to use where it is needed most.

Every donation to the People's Climate Project represents a contribution to our overarching mission to find creative solutions to the climate change reality that simultaneously benefit those in need.

Is my donation tax deductible?
Answer: Yes. As a non-profit organization, the National Center for Appropriate Technology, which operates the People's Climate Project, is exempt from federal income taxes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Consequently, your contributions are tax-deductible under U.S. tax regulations.

Can my group or community receive assistance from the People's Climate Project?
Answer: The People's Climate Project is actively seeking project opportunities for groups with demonstrated need and would be happy to consider specific groups' needs on a case by case basis. Contact us at 800-ASK-NCAT or moreinfor@ncat.org to nominate a low-income or other disadvantaged group in your area.

How can I contact the People's Climate Project?
Answer: For questions, requests or donations, you can call our toll-free number at 800-ASK-NCAT or contact us through this website. You may also mail us at the following address:

National Center for Appropriate Technology
3040 Continental Drive
Butte, MT 59701
moreinfo(at)ncat.org

The average US household emits 21 tons of planet-warming CO₂ every year. What's your impact?

Sign up to receive email climate action tips

Help a family in need save energy and stay warm this winter.