It feels fitting to start 2024 talking about the big numbers, the big climate financing gaps we face and ways to fill them. 

We know that addressing the climate crisis requires trillions of dollars of investment. It’ll need to come from government, corporations, and big finance, but there’s another stakeholder with an important contribution. Private philanthropic foundations have important roles to play too, particularly in helping communities that might otherwise be left behind and in using philanthropic capital as a catalyst. By de-risking investments and taking concessionary returns, philanthropy can unlock hundreds of billions of dollars of needed investment. 

Today, we’re joined by Elizabeth Yee, who oversees Rockefeller Foundation’s global programs, including its recent $1 billion commitment to climate change. I’ve gotten to work with the Rockefeller Foundation in a variety of partnerships over the years, and I’ve been impressed by how they recognize their ability to take a lead and help accelerate fields. Of course, it’s interesting to remember the Foundation was initially funded by Standard Oil founder John D Rockefeller, something that Liz and I discuss in our conversation. In recent years, the Foundation has demonstrated real commitment to climate leadership. And even in the weeks following this interview, the Foundation announced that it will pursue a net-zero emissions target for its $6 billion endowment, making it the largest private US foundation to pursue a net-zero endowment to date. 

Liz and I talk about the Foundation’s history in climate philanthropy, two different programs with billion-dollar plus commitments, how it works to catalyze other funding, the intersections of energy, food, health and economic opportunity and much, much more. Lots to learn and think about in this one. Here we go.

In today's episode, we cover:

• [3:43] Elizabeth's background and history working on climate, along with her current role
• [7:15] Key elements of the Rockefeller Foundation's Climate Commitment 
• [9:23] The Foundation's divestment from fossil fuels in its endowment and details about the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet
• [12:23] Reasons behind the significant commitment to climate and the timing of such a commitment
• [13:58] Overview of the billion-dollar commitment, including the main pillars and distribution across different climate priorities
• [16:35] The theory of change behind the Foundation's climate initiatives
• [19:36] The types of partners needed for the success of the initiatives
• [21:17] Influencing ideas and narratives
• [22:43] Selection process and priorities for initial grantees.
• [25:07] Grantees: Climate Mayors, C40, and the Urban Sustainability Directors Network
• [27:12] Insights into the Invest in Our Future Initiative and its significance
• [28:22] Grantees: Makerere University School of Public Health and University of the West Indies
• [30:32] Success for the foundation in committing significant resources to climate
• [32:00] The message for other investors or foundations considering a similar commitment
• [33:27] Elizabeth's outlook and hopefulness despite the existing financing gaps

Resources Mentioned

• Rockefeller Foundation
• Press Release: The Rockefeller Foundation Commits Over USD 1 Billion To Advance Climate Solutions
• Rockefeller Foundation: 100 Resilient Cities
• Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet
• IKEA Foundation
• Bezos Earth Fund
• Press Release: The Rockefeller Foundation Announces Over USD 11 Million Towards Climate Solutions
• Climate Mayors
• C40
• Urban Sustainability Directors Network
• Invest in Our Future

Connect with Elizabeth Yee

• Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn

Connect with Jason Rissman

• On LinkedIn
• On Twitter

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