NATURE

Why the protection of nature is a climate matter

Nature is humanity’s most vital resource - and at risk from climate change.
Forest fire from the bird's eye view

Sustaining the natural world, keeping life on earth

Protecting the planet from further warming helps maintain the fragile balance of nature that sustains life on earth. Intact ecosystems are extremely important to climate change mitigation and adaptation - consider that two thirds of all man-made greenhouse gas emissions since the Industrial Revolution have been stored in either the oceans or plants and soils.1 By containing climate change, we safeguard the ecosystems which connect plants and animals and also provide what humans need to live – from clean air and water to drink, via healthy food and the soil to grow it in, the pollination of new crops and nutrition for livestock to, ultimately, the natural breakdown of waste.

1 mio

species are facing extinction today.2

Deforestation, aggressive farming, overfishing and pollution have already decimated the diversity of living species on earth. The warming of the planet is further endangering this biodiversity and, thereby, also the basis of our life as humans. Figuratively speaking: We are sawing the branches off the tree we are sitting on. To date, crops in the value of up to 577 billion US dollars annually are at risk because the insect populations needed for pollination are declining.3 Climate action, therefore, makes sense – also business sense.

As a philanthropist or social investor interested in environmental issues, you can make an impact in many ways. You can support schemes that help conserve biodiversity and strengthen nature’s ability to sustain itself, such as sustainable forest management, greener farming practices, the restoration of peatlands, or the protection of coastal wetlands. You can also fund initiatives that make cities greener, from parks to green roofs and vertical gardens.

Accelerating the transition to renewable energies is key to halting the environmental decline brought on by carbon pollution. At the same time, the move to green energy has to be pursued carefully where land is needed for biogas, wind or solar energy farms. As a climate philanthropist, you can support research, policy initiatives and energy projects that put these environmental aspects centre-stage in the pursuit of alternative energies. Further options are to focus on environmental education and public awareness campaigns that highlight the need to protect humanity’s most valuable resource – nature.

 

 

Funding Example

Environmental Investigation Agency

The EIA is an NGO conducting investigations into international wildlife and forest crimes. They use their campaigning experience to put climate change on the global  agenda.

Project example: EIA is monitoring and uncovering the illegal trade of ozone-depleting substances like HCF CFC in Europe. These substances are very harmful to the climate and accelerate global warming. Smuggling of these substances began after the EU wide phase-down of these substances, but control and enforcement are lacking. EIA advocates for strengthened enforcement, improved customs engagement and an effective HFC licensing system.

Issues Land-Use, Consumption, Environment, Industry
Regions Africa, Asia, Europe, North America
Lever Political Advocacy, Communication, Campaigning, Research, Education

 

Case study

  • Fondation Daniel & Nina Carasso

The French and Spanish family foundation supports projects in the fields of sustainable food, including environmental, economic, social, health and medical considerations all along the value chain, and the relationship between citizens and the arts.