Alaska is a state of remote and rural townships, where everything costs more to access - from food to fuel - and plunging global oil prices have pushed the state economy to the brink of financial crisis. But communities such as Buckland are taking steps to move away from dependence on fossil fuels through the building of renewable energy micro-grids. Wind, geothermal, hydro, and solar power not only help keep the lights on, but are contributing to the stabilization of local economies.

The low-carbon future is taking a strong hold especially in developing countries which face a dual challenge of modernizing their economies and limiting carbon emissions.

The Ute Tribe’s reservation is building its first large-scale solar array with the end goal of transitioning to 100 percent renewable energy. The reservation, spanning Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah, has partnered with GRID Alternatives Colorado to implement this first installment, which will eliminate over 1,500 tons of greenhouse gas emissions in just the first year.

Solar power is a great advancement for renewable energy, but traditionally relies on connecting to a grid in order to function correctly. So when hurricanes hit Puerto Rico, even those with solar panels lost access to electricity. A micro-grid offers an alternative solution, however, by relying on battery power.

Urban areas contain the highest in concentration of burning fossil fuels, which negatively contributes to climate change. Spearheading the green energy movement, Burlington, VT claims that its city uses 100% renewable energy for electricity. Burlington’s efforts pilot a model for larger U.S. cities to follow.

A first-of-its-kind renewable energy system in Hengbung, India, creates hydropower with solar pumps to prevent the community from experiencing prolonged power outages during extreme weather. At the same time, the project is increasing India’s renewable energy capacity.

Despite the Fukushima nuclear disaster of 2011, the region is working diligently towards reaching a goal of being 100 percent renewable energy efficient by 2040. Through a series of pilot programs as well as partnerships, the region has gained strong community buy in as well as central government and business support.

Tribal colleges in North Dakota and Minnesota are shifting to renewable energy practices as a means of lessening their energy footprint. According to the facilities manager at North Dakota's Turtle Mountain Community College, “It goes into our culture. We don’t want to hurt the environment.” The shift to sustainable energy has resulted in financial savings and provided classroom lessons for students.