WATCH | Stepping up series

The operating context of philanthropy is changing. We’re going through a period of rapid and often unpredictable change, both in the UK and overseas.

In Autumn 2025, we launched a new series of conversations with environmental leaders that sit outside of philanthropy and explore what “stepping up” to this political moment looks like. Join future events with your own questions, challenges and ideas so we can explore this together.

Below are all the recordings from our Stepping Up series. EFN funder members have been emailed the password.

Past & Future Speakers

In conversation with Robin Wall Kimmerer

For this Stepping Up event we spoke to Robin Wall Kimmerer, a mother, scientist, decorated professor, and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. As a writer and a scientist, her interests in restoration include not only restoration of ecological communities, but restoration of our relationships to land. A theme that she explores in her books, Braiding Sweetgrass, Gathering Moss and The Serviceberry.

In conversation with Johan Rockström

For this Stepping Up event we spoke to Johan Rockström, one of the world’s leading scientists on global sustainability, climate change, resilience and global water resources. With over than 150 research publications, his work spans fields ranging from applied land and water management to global environmental policy. Since 2018 he has served as Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and Professor of Earth System Science at the University of Potsdam. Prior to his current roles, Rockström co-founded and directed the Stockholm Resilience Centre from 2004 until 2018.

In conversation with Masego Madzwamuse

Our fifth Stepping Up event took place during our funder-fundraiser conference in 2025. We spoke to Masego Madzwamuse, Director of Environment Programme at Oak Foundation.

In conversation with Emma Pinchbeck

At our fourth Stepping Up event, we spoke to Emma Pinchbeck, CEO of the Climate Change Committee (CCC). Having previously led the industry body, Energy UK, Emma joined the CCC with expertise in how to make a renewables-based future a reality. Now she is focused on providing the government with clear and focused critique on its progress towards Net Zero. We explored her role as a watchdog, asking if the government is stepping up to it’s Net Zero commitments and what does the role of philanthropy looks like in achieving them?

In conversation with Chris Packham

At out third Stepping Up event, we spoke to conservationist, author, environmental campaigner and wildlife presenter Chris Packham. He campaigns for just transitions towards positive environmental necessities – from fossil fuels to renewable energies, from industrial and intensive animal agriculture to plant-based alternatives, from chemical dependent to regenerative farming, and from declining biodiversity to nature recovery.

In conversation with Indy Johar

Our second event in the Stepping Up series, was with Indy Johar, Founder of Dark Matter Labs. He is part of a collective, who are reimagining how we build in a climate-changed world, while embracing circularity and prioritising societal wellbeing. What role does philanthropy play in stepping up to the systematic, structural and societal change needed to ready our built environments for a world that is 3 degrees warmer? 

In conversation with Ruth Davis

Our first event in the Stepping Up series was with Ruth Davis, UK Special Representative for Nature. Her role is a first for the UK government and demonstrates a commitment to increase senior diplomatic engagement with nature. Is this what stepping up looks like? (Recording unavailable).