Our base

  • United States | Greater Los Angeles

    SDG-0
    The official icon of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education
    The official icon of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
    The official icon of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action
    The official icon of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land

    The US is the fourth largest country in the world and supports a wide diversity of habitats and species. It features about 12,000 miles of coastline, 800 million acres of forest, 4 million acres of nationally protected grassland, 400 million acres of wetland, and three major mountain ranges. Numerous endemic species can be found in its nearly 60 National Parks.

    UNC Charlotte Impact Academy’s base is located in the Greater Los Angeles area. The location is quickly becoming known as a hotspot for social innovation. From Elon Musk’s, The Boring Company, working to solve California’s legendary traffic issues, to Good Films, a film production company with the mission to create video content for maximum social impact, LA is increasingly becoming a hub for purpose-driven organizations.

    Possible projects

    As the world’s largest economy and third-largest population, the US needs to find ways to balance its growth with environmental needs. Clean energy and transportation solutions can contribute to averting the climate crisis. Habitat loss and threats to endangered species like the California condor, American bison and red fox need to be effectively managed.

    Some common public health concerns include noncommunicable diseases like diabetes, mental illness as well as illegal drug use. Gender inequality and violence and discrimintation against marginalized groups, like certain racial groups as well as transgender and non-binary persons, is also a concern. The incarceration rate of the US is also one of the highest in the world.

    • Learn and analyze the impact of climate change on a range of diverse communities in the greater Los Angeles area.
    • Research and evaluate how the city is modernizing the power grid to expand renewable energy to 65% of the power source by 2036.
    • Examine how social enterprises in Los Angeles are empowering vulnerable communities—immigrants and lower-income residents, to financial security.
    • Study how NGOs are partnering with fishing communities to improve the health of the ocean and develop thriving fisheries.