The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) report, which is considered the climate change evidence summary for policymakers worldwide, has stated that we must act if we are to avert the worst environmental and social impacts of climate change. UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has said, ‘if we combine forces now, we can avert climate catastrophe. But, as today’s report makes clear, there is no time for delay and no room for excuses.’

So, how can social funders address climate change? Here are four ways you can help, whether you are new to funding environmental issues or already fund in this space.

  1. Review your mission and strategy Whether you are a funder working for the well-being of children and young people, a health funder, or a funder of migration issues, our changing world means that your funding strategy may have to change if you are to achieve your mission.
  2. Fund the intersections of social issues and climate change We need decisive action to ensure that those with pre-existing conditions and people in poor housing and on low incomes, often in urban areas and disproportionately from ethnic minority communities, see improvements in their lives. We can improve housing as we climate proof our existing and new housing stock, we can reduce utility bills through cheaper renewable energy, we can make greener transport accessible to all, we can ensure better access to green spaces, and we can improve skills and jobs in the process.
  3. Fund environmental projects Whatever causes you support, they will be affected, directly or indirectly, by climate change.
  4. Use all your assets to address climate change An increasing number of funders are signing the Funder Commitment on Climate Change in the UK, and its international equivalent, in recognition that climate change is important to all our missions.

Read the full article about how funders can take action on the climate crisis by Liz Gadd at NPC.