Major philanthropists call on UK’s wealthiest to join them in supporting climate action
Melanie May | 5 June 2021 | News
The 100 richest families in the UK along with the Chairs and CEOs of the largest 100 foundations will today, World Environment Day, receive a letter co-signed by 14 major philanthropists urging their support for action on climate and the environment.
The philanthropists behind the letter include billionaire Andre Hoffman and British financier and environmentalist, Ben Goldsmith.
In it, they say:
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“We, among many others, are committing meaningful philanthropic funds to addressing the threats we face from climate change and biodiversity loss. We are at a tipping point: without concerted and radical action, the current trends of extreme weather, increasingly hostile living conditions and ailing nature will accelerate. We are writing to invite you to join us in making such a commitment.”
Furthermore, the philanthropists say that with the UK hosting the COP26 international climate talks as well as the G20, and with the UN Biodiversity and Ocean conferences also taking place, there is currently an unparalleled opportunity to make a difference.
They add:
“Estimates indicate that environmental philanthropy represents less than 4% of total giving from UK trusts and foundations; less than 2% goes to climate. We need much more to fund the solutions that exist but urgently need scaling: supporting civil society and social movements to protect our atmosphere, forests, seas and rivers; green research and innovation; strategic litigation; public education and much more, from the local to the global level.
“We are calling on you to join us in a movement that changes this. Together, we can substantially increase funding for environmental and climate solutions – both through donations and investments – as well as raising the profile of the work already underway.”
The letter also highlights the power of philanthropy and charitable giving to fund work that can’t be funded by governments, to enable risks to be taken, to fund transformative solutions, and to push for change, and lists some of the impact it’s had so far. It also includes details of where recipients can go to get help starting or developing their giving and investment strategies.
The co-signatories finish:
“The moment is now to get involved in the challenge of our lifetimes: to restore our climate and nature. With your efforts joining ours, we are confident that we can change the course of the future together, for the better. We can think of no higher calling for our wealth.”
About Melanie May
Melanie May is a journalist and copywriter specialising in writing both for and about the charity and marketing services sectors since 2001. She can be reached via thepurplepim.com.