S2E20: Can philanthropy revive a stalling environmental agenda in Asia?

The power of philanthropic capital lies in its catalytic nature,
says CEO of Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA) Shaun Seow. 


Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits
Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from
biodiversity conservation to climate change.


The world is becoming an increasingly risky place as the impacts
of climate change and nature loss worsen. And there’s a growing
need for more funding to limit the damage and improve the
livelihoods of communities. 


But the problem is, funding from governments, especially aid
money, is drying up in some places. The funding gap is huge but
philanthropy is helping fill some of the void. Family offices,
international foundations, wealthy individuals and more are
stepping in and their money is vital in helping de-risk climate
and nature investments to make them more palatable for private
and government funders. 


Every dollar of philanthropic capital can mobilise $9 of
additional funding. Together, the money can be directed towards
vital areas, such as ocean health and coastal protection,
sustainable land use, nature restoration and climate adaptation
and much more. 


The end game is not band aid solutions, Shaun Seow, CEO of
Philanthropy Asia Alliance, tells Audrey Tan and David Fogarty in
this latest episode of Green Pulse. The end game is to de-risk
and allow private capital to “work its magic”.


Have a listen, and let us know what you think!


Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):


1:20 How are philanthropies responding to the different
environmental agendas, and funding gaps, of governments?


6:14 To what extent are philanthropies in Asia focusing on
climate and catalytic funding?


12:42 How is PAA bringing together different funders?


18:54 What other areas can be a focus for philanthropies
interested in Asia?


21:20 For catalytic capital, what are the key concerns for
philanthropists in Asia?


25:15 As climate risks grow, are more foundations and wealthy
individuals knocking on PAA’s door?


Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W


Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2


Follow David Fogarty on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/jcvy


Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu


Hosts: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) & David Fogarty
(dfogarty@sph.com.sg)


Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim


Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong


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drops:


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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg


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