Kristian Parker

Featured Conversation

A Systems-Based Approach to Climate Philanthropy

Why did you make climate a priority in your philanthropy?

When I began this work in 1997, my focus was the environment. Having trained as a marine biologist and scientist, I could see the threats that climate posed to animals, marine environments such as coral reefs— which have a very low tolerance for rising temperatures —basically to all life on the planet.

How has your approach changed over the years?
We’re still focused on oceans and climate, but our philanthropic strategy now takes a much broader systems- and people-centered approach and considers these issues in a more integrated and holistic way. For example, our climate work looks at all energy systems, like offshore oil and gas, which have huge impacts on the health of the ocean. A systems orientation yields multiple benefits—not only in the volume of emissions reduced, but for people and biodiversity.

Oceans and the atmosphere are part of the global commons.
They can’t be “bought” and protected using traditional conservation strategies, so early on I realized that policy is a critical lever for achieving positive change at scale. I still believe that policy is crucial, but we’re also thinking about the role of people in influencing policy. Politicians act when they see that their voters care, so building public will by supporting communications, campaigns, and movements, and demonstrating how climate affects our health and daily lives are essential. When people care, they engage.

Also, our work has expanded geographically. In the early days, we focused mostly on the U.S. and Europe —the geographies we knew. But as parts of the world have developed and their emissions have increased dramatically, we recognized that to maximize our impact 
we had to work in places like China, India, and South America.

Why is giving general operating support important?

The strongest organizations are the ones with significant core support, which enables them to be flexible —to respond, pivot, and move as needed to achieve their goals. We’re not “contracting” work—we’re investing in those who are closest to the challenges. If our goal is to improve climate policy in Europe, across all sectors, we want organizations to have the ability to deliver in ways that make the most sense given local context and needs.

What advice do you offer to philanthropists who are new to climate?

People are in different places and view the issues through many different lenses. So I meet them where they are. Recognizing the immensity of the climate challenge, I try to help them identify their comfort areas, and see what’s underfunded, what’s easier or harder to measure or control, and why behavior change is key. Collaboration is also very important, so I also convey how working together with other philanthropists is a way to accelerate and maximize impact.

What are you optimistic about today?

The price of renewable energy has dropped considerably, which seemed unattainable when I first started in climate—today, the momentum feels unstoppable. I live in Switzerland, and recently 
voters approved a new climate law that will see the country cut net greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050. A lot more people now care about climate change and understand the threat that it represents, especially youth, who have shown an amazing 
willingness to fight for the future.