India’s philanthropic sector is experiencing a notable shift in priorities, with a growing emphasis on climate action. However, despite this shift, the investments in this critical area remain a small fraction of the country’s overall philanthropic funding. Recent estimates indicate that climate action accounts for just 0.5% of the total domestic philanthropic funding in India, covering a mere 10% of the nation’s climate financing needs.
The primary focus of these contributions predominantly centres on climate mitigation, with adaptation and resilience efforts receiving limited attention. This situation points to a pressing need for more substantial philanthropic investment to address the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change.
Amitabh Jaipuria, CEO of Accelerate Indian Philanthropy (AIP), expressed optimism regarding the potential of philanthropy to make a meaningful impact in reducing climate-induced risks. He acknowledged that the number of philanthropic donors and their contributions for climate initiatives in India may be limited, but their leverage potential is significant. Jaipuria highlighted the importance of strategic resource utilization and collaboration with other stakeholders. These combined efforts can drive innovation and inspire broader action, ultimately fostering lasting change and safeguarding India’s fragile ecosystems and vulnerable communities from the threats of the climate crisis.
A recent study conducted among Inter-Generational (Inter-Gen) and Now-Gen donors revealed a strong desire among these contributors to increase their involvement in emerging causes, notably climate change. However, a prevailing belief that effective climate action requires in-depth technical knowledge has deterred many benefactors from exploring this crucial space. This lack of awareness hinders the recognition of the intricate connections between climate change and the industries traditionally supported by philanthropy, such as sustainable cities, food security, livelihoods, and health.
The study further highlighted the indispensable link between climate change and several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including gender equality, sustainable communities, food security, and good health. The far-reaching and devastating effects of climate change impact various sectors, emphasizing the importance of integrated efforts.
Approximately 31% of donors from both Inter-Gen and Now-Gen cohorts are already actively contributing to climate action and resilience initiatives. Prominent figures such as Rohini Nilekani, Nithin and Nikhil Kamath, Leena Dandekar, and Aditi Kothari Desai are among those leading the way. Their contributions span various fields, including wildlife conservation, environmental protection, water treatment, sanitation, forestry, and renewable energy.
In addressing the specific vulnerabilities of Eastern India, especially coastal cities like Kolkata and the Sundarbans, Jaipuria underlined the critical role that climate philanthropy can play. He proposed that philanthropy can support resilience building, research and development, innovation, and educational programs to raise awareness. Initiatives may encompass funding community-based projects for climate-resilient infrastructure, disaster preparedness programs, afforestation to protect the vital mangrove ecosystem of the Sundarbans, and investments in innovative solutions for agriculture and climate adaptation. Educational programs aimed at empowering local communities and raising awareness to take proactive measures are also crucial in addressing these challenges effectively.
Jaipuria emphasized the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration, involving governments, businesses, civil society, academia, and philanthropy to drive coordinated climate action. Such collaboration could leverage resources and expertise to facilitate large-scale, sustainable change. This approach would harmonize scientists, entrepreneurs, and investors in innovation hubs to develop and scale breakthrough technologies and solutions for addressing climate challenges. Additionally, investments in community-driven projects, educational programs, and institution-building for research and development in climate science, technology, and policy are deemed vital.
While India’s philanthropic sector increasingly recognizes the urgency of climate action, there remains a significant journey ahead to address the complex and interrelated issues linked to climate change comprehensively. Collaborative efforts between philanthropy and other stakeholders are imperative to make substantial progress in reducing climate-induced risks and strengthening resilience in the country.
The primary focus of these contributions predominantly centres on climate mitigation, with adaptation and resilience efforts receiving limited attention. This situation points to a pressing need for more substantial philanthropic investment to address the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change.
Amitabh Jaipuria, CEO of Accelerate Indian Philanthropy (AIP), expressed optimism regarding the potential of philanthropy to make a meaningful impact in reducing climate-induced risks. He acknowledged that the number of philanthropic donors and their contributions for climate initiatives in India may be limited, but their leverage potential is significant. Jaipuria highlighted the importance of strategic resource utilization and collaboration with other stakeholders. These combined efforts can drive innovation and inspire broader action, ultimately fostering lasting change and safeguarding India’s fragile ecosystems and vulnerable communities from the threats of the climate crisis.
A recent study conducted among Inter-Generational (Inter-Gen) and Now-Gen donors revealed a strong desire among these contributors to increase their involvement in emerging causes, notably climate change. However, a prevailing belief that effective climate action requires in-depth technical knowledge has deterred many benefactors from exploring this crucial space. This lack of awareness hinders the recognition of the intricate connections between climate change and the industries traditionally supported by philanthropy, such as sustainable cities, food security, livelihoods, and health.
The study further highlighted the indispensable link between climate change and several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including gender equality, sustainable communities, food security, and good health. The far-reaching and devastating effects of climate change impact various sectors, emphasizing the importance of integrated efforts.
Approximately 31% of donors from both Inter-Gen and Now-Gen cohorts are already actively contributing to climate action and resilience initiatives. Prominent figures such as Rohini Nilekani, Nithin and Nikhil Kamath, Leena Dandekar, and Aditi Kothari Desai are among those leading the way. Their contributions span various fields, including wildlife conservation, environmental protection, water treatment, sanitation, forestry, and renewable energy.
In addressing the specific vulnerabilities of Eastern India, especially coastal cities like Kolkata and the Sundarbans, Jaipuria underlined the critical role that climate philanthropy can play. He proposed that philanthropy can support resilience building, research and development, innovation, and educational programs to raise awareness. Initiatives may encompass funding community-based projects for climate-resilient infrastructure, disaster preparedness programs, afforestation to protect the vital mangrove ecosystem of the Sundarbans, and investments in innovative solutions for agriculture and climate adaptation. Educational programs aimed at empowering local communities and raising awareness to take proactive measures are also crucial in addressing these challenges effectively.
Jaipuria emphasized the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration, involving governments, businesses, civil society, academia, and philanthropy to drive coordinated climate action. Such collaboration could leverage resources and expertise to facilitate large-scale, sustainable change. This approach would harmonize scientists, entrepreneurs, and investors in innovation hubs to develop and scale breakthrough technologies and solutions for addressing climate challenges. Additionally, investments in community-driven projects, educational programs, and institution-building for research and development in climate science, technology, and policy are deemed vital.
While India’s philanthropic sector increasingly recognizes the urgency of climate action, there remains a significant journey ahead to address the complex and interrelated issues linked to climate change comprehensively. Collaborative efforts between philanthropy and other stakeholders are imperative to make substantial progress in reducing climate-induced risks and strengthening resilience in the country.
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