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The Economist's May 31 issue said that the positive attitude of business in finding solutions to climate change could only become a long-term phenomenon with the help of governments. Consumers, the weekly magazine pointed out, may like the "warm glow" associated with purchasing "green products," but they may not necessarily be willing to shell out more cash for them. On the other hand, the magazine further noted, voters could wield more influence by electing governments committed to reforms that would make businesses comply with "greening policies." But what of philanthropists - those outside the public sector who possess much-needed resources to support the battle against climate change? Financing efforts, "greening" operations, and fielding volunteers are but a few, albeit significant ways that the philanthropic community can get involved. But are they? How and to what extent? Recent developments in philanthropic circles show that organizations are beginning to rally around the fight against global warming. The 6th Global Philanthropy Forum, held in April this year was about the changing practice of philanthropy, and participants discussed how philanthropy could be a means to find solutions to the pressing problems of poverty, global health and climate change. Environment was on the agenda too at the US-based Council of Foundations 2007 Conference entitled Philanthropy and the Challenges of Our Time: Making a Difference at Home and Around the Globe (the other three challenges were Poverty, Public Health and Disasters). Associations committed to the cause, such as the Climate Change Philanthropy Action Network (CCPAN), have also arisen out of the sector. Climate change may be today's trendy cause, what with advocates like Bill Clinton, Sir Richard Branson and Leonardo di Caprio, but it may also very well be the disaster that strikes tomorrow. Hefty contributions and celebrity endorsements may not solve the problem on their own, but collective action to sustain the efforts that they have sparked will definitely produce some much-needed results. For philanthropists, an important question to ask is: how can use resources to effectively contribute to this collective action? And beyond resources, how can one's daily routine be re-shaped to be "greener"? Climate change and its consequences will affect us all, so paradigm shifts in attitude and lifestyle changes are just as important as all the other efforts.
A private, independent Indian foundation based in Delhi and with offices in London, The Nand & Jeet Khemka Foundation is leading efforts to bring together foundations and philanthropists committed to stemming the effects of global warming into the Climate Change Philanthropy Action Network. The Network was established in the hope of creating a venue wherein grantmakers, foundations and philanthropists could share knowledge and leverage resources in the battle to save the planet. The Foundation has also supported the work of the Forum of Young Global Leaders (a partner of the World Economic Forum), where Uday Khemka, its Managing Trustee, serves as the Chair of the Environmental Taskforce. The Taskforce's initiatives include The Earth Love Movement, which was recently launched at the World Economic Forum in Davos. In addition, the Foundation is also working to establish of the Iceland Climate Change Action Summit, a multi-stakeholder event. The Summit will bring together key players to develop strategic action steps to address climate change on a global level to influence consumers, businesses and politicians. In India, the Foundation is working with strategic partners, including The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) on creating an integrated Indian Energy and Climate policy. It is also involved in research on the effects that climate change may have on the monsoons and how societies can both stem these affects as well as adapt to them. For more information, visit www.khemkafoundation.org. |
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