By connecting young people to their sense of rebellion, their values and their communities, we can help turn on its head the increasingly pervasive norm that success is defined by what you earn and what you own. In so doing, we can improve young people's mental health and help protect the environment at the same time.
Keywords: consumerism, effectiveness, health, joined-up-thinking
British millennials have the second worst mental wellbeing in the world, second only to Japan. One in four young women between the ages of 16 and 24 report having self-harmed and 93% of teachers report increased levels of mental illness in children and young people. What if the solution to the mental health crisis facing young people is the same as tackling environmental degradation?
Keywords: consumerism, health, joined-up-thinking
It is over thirty years since Michael Soulé proposed his model of conservation biology as a “synthetic, multi-disciplinary science”. Since everything humanity needs and does is ultimately derived from nature, it is imperative the sciences, social sciences, policy, practice, human rights, international development, legal and financial systems, culture and the arts come together to address one of the most pressing existential crises of our time. The Collaborative Fund is designed to support such collaboration between nine biodiversity conservation organisations and the University of Cambridge.
Keywords: collaboration, conservation, effectiveness, funding overseas, joined-up-thinking
Why did an Australian conservation organisation email its supporters encouraging them to vote for same-sex marriage, and what can environmental funders learn from their experience?
Keywords: communications, effectiveness, joined-up-thinking, values
Unsustainable development, consumerism, the unequal role of women in society – all have negative impacts on our natural environment. Can environmental philanthropy successfully address the most pressing challenges if we do not acknowledge their interconnected nature? We believe that collaboration with funders from different fields – health, development, social justice – will mean a better-targeted and relevant response to environmental problems, and ultimately more impact. Collaboration across sectors is the future of environmental funding.
Keywords: collaboration, conservation, effectiveness, funding overseas, joined-up-thinking
In a recent EFN survey of 92 chief executives of environmental organisations, nearly half of the respondents indicated that their organisations' funding, strategy or other activities are being constrained by the so-called ‘closing space’ for civil society, here in the UK and in countries spanning the globe. The solutions will likely require groups to work across issue areas. How can funders help?
Keywords: closing space, funding overseas, fundraising, joined-up-thinking
Each year EFN hosts a two-day retreat for funders to discuss the most pressing issues concerning those involved in tackling the myriad of challenges facing the environment. ACF’s Emma Hutchins reports back.
Keywords: climate change, collaboration, effectiveness, investment, joined-up-thinking
Passionate and generous philanthropic engagement with worthy causes is all well and good — but ultimately it means nothing unless we get serious about the environment.
Keywords: conservation, growing the pie, joined-up-thinking
We are at a key moment in history. If business as usual continues, we have just five years left before we reach the critical global temperature rise of 1.5C. Despite some of the world’s largest economies recently ratifying the Paris Agreement, there seems little real commitment to tackle the big transition required to change course from this trajectory. Civil society is mobilising in response, but finds itself under pressure from state and non-state actors alike. At Global Greengrants Fund we are discussing what our priorities should be over the next five years within this context. Three fundamental questions underlie our thinking.
Keywords: climate change, conservation, funding overseas, joined-up-thinking, justice, values
Seldom are ‘environmental’ issues ‘merely’ environmental issues; often they are part of larger, connected and complex resource, social and health concerns. Responding effectively to these connected challenges requires integrated solutions, but two problems are faced in doing so. Firstly, few conservationists take the multi-dimensionality of the issues into account when designing programmes. Secondly, few funding partners realise that existing funding policies often prevent one of the most suitable approaches to many conservation issues being implemented in the first place.
Keywords: conservation, effectiveness, funding overseas, joined-up-thinking, population