Global mega-star and National Heroine of Barbados, Rihanna, has teamed up with former CEO of Twitter, Jack Dorsey, to support efforts around the climate justice movement. 

Rihanna, through the Clara Lionel Foundation (her charity organization), is collaborating with Dorsey’s #StartSmall initiative to fund 18 organizations across the USA and Caribbean, that have been advocating for issues around climate change. 

“We have used and abused our natural environment to the point where our planet is acting out and sending us warning signs that we are in danger at an alarmingly accelerated rate.” Robyn “Rihanna” Fenty

These statements solidify one of the foundation’s main pillars being climate justice, citing “the need to bridge humanitarian and private sectors to alleviate poverty and support communities of resilience”. 

This move adds to the global conversation around climate change, which has drawn political views over the years and is being constantly discussed.

The grants will be given to entities focused and led by women, youth, Black, Indigenous, people of color & the LGBTQIA+ communities.

These communities are considered the most affected by climate change, due to cases of racial disparity. The burdens of pollution, poisonous resources and toxic waste are not distributed equally across society – as expressed by the Princeton Student Climate Initiative.

Some of the entities have already turned to social media to express their deep gratitude for the donation. 

Dorsey added his commendation to Rihanna, the team at the Clara Lionel Foundation and #StartSmall for their continuous philanthropic work. Back in 2020, he announced moving $1 billion dollars towards his social impact outreach, which equates to 28% of his wealth. 

The Clara Lionel Foundation has donated OVER $85 million dollars and funded over 150 projects since 2012.