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Meet 17-year-old Kelly Charley, a high school senior from the Navajo Nation whose invention could transform lives in her community. Her mission? Replace coal-burning heaters with sustainable solar alternatives to protect elders like her grandparents from respiratory illnesses.
\"Why am I letting my grandparents go through this when I could do something?\" Kelly told local media, highlighting her drive to address energy poverty. Over 30% of Navajo households lack electricity, forcing many to drive 100+ miles for coal—a practice linked to health risks.
Kelly’s prototype solar heater harnesses the desert sun to provide affordable, clean warmth. If successful, it could help thousands in the 4,345km-spanning Navajo Nation. Talk about #GenZ innovation!
Elders are at the heart of her project: \"They’ve given us so much—it’s time we give back.\" With climate tech gaining momentum, Kelly’s story proves young leaders are rising to solve global challenges, one community at a time.
Her mission? Replace coal-burning heaters with sustainable solar alternatives to protect elders like her grandparents from respiratory illnesses.
\"Why am I letting my grandparents go through this when I could do something?\" Kelly told local media, highlighting her drive to address energy poverty. Over 30% of Navajo households lack electricity, forcing many to drive 100+ miles for coal—a practice linked to health risks.
Kelly’s prototype solar heater harnesses the desert sun to provide affordable, clean warmth. If successful, it could help thousands in the 4,345km-spanning Navajo Nation. Talk about #GenZ innovation!
Elders are at the heart of her project: \"They’ve given us so much—it’s time we give back.\" With climate tech gaining momentum, Kelly’s story proves young leaders are rising to solve global challenges, one community at a time.
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