Giving Compass' Take:

• There are a variety of ways in which corporate philanthropy can address concerns and provide necessary relief in the face of climate disasters.

• How does your employer engage in sustainability practices regarding climate change? 

• Read other innovative solutions for climate change. 

Welcome to the climate crisis, where once-extreme weather events have gone mainstream. Australia’s raging bushfires are a stark reminder of our "new normal," with images befitting an apocalyptic Roland Emmerich flick. In Australia, the fires burned more than 27 million acres — an area about the size of Maine — and killed at least 30 people and more than 1 billion animals.

Wildfires are increasing, wildfire season is getting longer and climate change is playing a significant role, says the Union of Concerned Scientists. Meanwhile, we’re seeing hurricanes, typhoons, droughts and other natural disasters occurring with increasing frequency and intensity.

With companies’ environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives largely focused on mitigation and adaptation, the lines are blurring between corporate sustainability and philanthropy. Helping communities cope with climate-connected disasters has become an increasingly strategic pillar of corporate citizenship.

Authenticity in corporate giving  

Donating directly to relief organizations is one of the most popular ways for companies to support communities in the wake of extreme weather events. Yet doing so isn’t always so simple.

Engaging employees with matching programs 

Companies are made up of people who may wish to help communities affected by climate shocks. While many might donate independently to the causes they care about, knowing that they have the support of their employer creates a multitude of positive effects.

Making customers part of the cause 

Customers can be a major source of philanthropic power, and companies are leveraging their platforms to encourage donations. Customers want a shared purpose with corporations, not to be bystanders, says Harvard Business Review.

Offering products or services during disasters 

Sometimes companies are in a good position to go beyond the financial to support disaster relief. Airbnb, for example, offered free housing to victims displaced by fires in Australia.

Read the full article about corporate philanthropy and climate change by Mike Hower at GreenBiz.