IEFG BIG SERIES

- Climate -

16 May 2022

 

Recording

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Quotes from the Session

'When I was growing up we were comfortable. I can't tell you when it changed, but the rains stopped, the cows started dying and the boys had to leave for longer and longer.'

'There is hope.'

'The most serious impediment we are facing today is the lack of political will; we have the technology at the right cost.'

'If I can be honest with you, those of us living with climate change don't live looking toward 2030 or 2050 - progress to these commitments will be too late.'

'My village might not know what climate change is: we have to translate this into the local context.'

'There are things that can be done: provide school means, build resilience in children.'

'I see no aspect of my life that is not affected by the climate and climate change.'

'A major role for philanthropy is to help people shout 'fire'.'

'Is there a role for philanthropy in reversing the atomisation of society, building connectivity amongst us?'

'As education funders, you have big influence: you can hold world leaders to account, you have access to resources.'

'Invest in girls education.'

'Be intersectoral - as we are doing right now. We'll find out more about what each other are doing and can do more together.'

'Young people can take the lead and make their communities better places.'

'Support networks of action at local level, which will network upwards.'

'We need a wholesale transformation of society to respond to climate change, and we needed this 30 years ago - how can we do this without education?'

'Conflict and climate are intertwined on a finite planet. Let's keep this in mind as we move forward.'

 

Resources

➡️ Beyond 2%: From climate philanthropy to climate justice philanthropy: Philanthropic foundations have long exerted influence in the international climate arena. Over 30 years on from their early forays into climate debates, this report asks how effective they have been. How relevant are their theories of change and worldviews today? And what can philanthropic foundations do to position themselves at the vanguard of meaningful change in the climate arena?
➡️ To Meet the Climate Challenge, Philanthropy Must Challenge Itself: Despite the world’s best efforts to date, we still face a yawning investment gap of several trillion dollars a year that needs to be closed between now and 2050 to spare the planet from cataclysmic warming. This article declares that if the world is going to ward off the worst of the climate crisis, philanthropists have a central role in remaking the global economic system for a carbon-neutral future. 
➡️ The World Bank and IMF Are Getting It Wrong on Climate Change: Poverty reduction is central to human flourishing – it is also key to preventing the worst effects of climate change. Instead of being the main task of two key multilateral institutions, this article argues that rich donor countries are working to deprioritise poverty reduction and economic development in the global south – thereby conflating two things that are crucial to avoid the worst effects of climate change.   
➡️ How can philanthropy support action on climate change? On 31 March 2022, Synergos’ Global Philanthropists Circle brought together funders for a ‘rare opportunity to hear from the broader environmental philanthropic community on how they are approaching the biggest issue of our time.’ Covering the themes of biodiversity loss, climate-friendly investing and shifting public opinion, it highlighted the urgent need for climate action to prevent this bleak future. Find the summary of what was discussed here. 
➡️ Global Education Summit: Financing GPE 2021-2025: The Summit was a key moment for the global community to come together and support quality education for all children. Youth leaders flagged climate and conflict – not early childhood, secondary, edtech etc. – as two of the biggest issues for education. Watch the recording of the event here. 
➡️ Rise to the challenge – 1hr climate and sustainability masterclass for funders: Created in partnership with the Eden Project and Cambridge Zero (University of Cambridge), AimHi Earth’s solutions-focused, interactive session specifically for foundations and donors brings together the expertise of leading scientists, storytellers and behavioural psychologists. Co-founder Matthew Shribman provides a clear understanding of climate and sustainability in a motivating and energising way, as well as giving a snapshot of AimHi’s wider work. Access the masterclass here.
➡️ The Climate Change Education Ambition Report Card: Conducted by Christina Kwauk, the Education International Climate Change Education Ambition Report Card examines the level of ambition on climate education and the extent to which countries prioritise education as a tool for climate action. You can download the report card here.
➡️ #PhilanthropyForClimate Implementation Guide: The Implementation Guide outlines suggested actions against each of the seven pillars of the International Commitment. It is designed to inspire and support foundation signatories as they embark on their journey of change. You can download the implementation guide here.