Climate & Environment
Human health, economic, and racial equity outcomes are inexorably linked to the health of the climate and environment – and solutions must center the needs and leadership of communities most impacted.
Centering people
in climate and environmental solutions.
We work not only with philanthropic, public, and private entities focused exclusively on climate and environment, but also with those that seek to reduce the negative impacts of climate change and environmental degradation on the health, rights, and economic opportunity of under-resourced populations. Within this work, we aim to center the voices and leadership of communities which are disproportionately affected by climate and environmental degradation and have historically been excluded from setting the direction for change.
Beginning with equity and justice
Historically oppressed populations bear a disproportionate burden of the impacts of climate change. Though often on the forefront of calls for environmental justice, these groups are excluded from employment, membership and leadership within influential organizations guiding climate and environmental action. We work with partners to strengthen their support for environmental justice efforts and build coalitions that reflect and follow the lead of historically oppressed communities.
Building climate-smart health and development programs
Most existing government and philanthropic efforts were developed without a clear view of the interplay between climate, environment, and other sectors such as health, gender equality, economic opportunity, food systems, and migration. We help partners revisit and adjust their strategies, policies, and programs to identify and intentionally address these intersections, while also leveraging social and behavioral insights to understand community needs and avenues for impactful response.
Strengthening political will for urgent climate change action
Many of the policy and behavior change gains made over the past few decades are under continued threat of backtracking, and the window for meaningful climate action is rapidly closing. Broad public support and political will are needed to solidify gains and accelerate action. We work with partners to develop strategies to strengthen the field’s capacity to counter the active, well-funded opposition to climate action; center voices and leadership of grassroots movements; and inform and mobilize unreached populations.
Related Case Study
Climate Change and Infectious Disease in Africa: Challenges and Solutions
As climate change intensifies and the planet warms, infectious diseases will become more rampant in Sub-Saharan Africa. There are, however, important and imperative solutions and mitigations to consider.