About
Paving the way for a net-zero world
The European Climate Foundation (ECF) is a major philanthropic initiative working to help tackle the climate crisis by fostering the development of a net-zero emission society at the national, European, and global level. The ECF supports over 700 partner organisations to carry out activities that drive urgent and ambitious policy in support of the objectives of the Paris Agreement, contribute to the public debate on climate action, and help deliver a socially responsible transition to a net-zero economy and sustainable society in Europe and around the world.
Leading the change for more than 10 years
Climate change is the defining challenge of our time, and we are already feeling its impact around the globe. The ECF was founded in 2008 by philanthropists to develop solutions and activate political engagement and public consciousness around this global emergency. Europe’s history as a climate leader, its robust democracy and huge single market makes it the ideal place to scale new global solutions. For the last 10 years, the ECF has been a galvanising force in promoting Europe’s climate leadership. Today, we form a network of more than 700 organisations working strategically to define and drive the policy in Europe needed for a net-zero world. In 2015, we celebrated a major breakthrough for climate action with the adoption of the Paris Agreement. Making the promise of this unprecedented global consensus a reality will require not only well-designed laws and policies but also strong political engagement on the back of broad societal support.
This is our moment
The climate crisis affects everybody. That’s why we need all of society on board to face it. The ECF network is moving with urgency to push for an ambitious whole-economy transition in Europe to avoid catastrophic levels of climate change. We must make the social case for a net-zero greenhouse gas society that is more fair, inclusive and healthy. Addressing the climate crisis provides a great opportunity for innovation and economic growth. With our partners we are working with political actors, business and civil society to make Europe a pioneer in the energy transition. Our greatest challenge is changing perceptions to break down the political and social barriers to the necessary solutions to the crisis. Our greatest strength is our ability to align and work with a wide array of actors to converge around our common goal of a sustainable future and better lives.
Effective philanthropy
Through our network of grantees and funders, we put philanthropy to work in a way that maximises our impact on climate goals. The ECF’s institutional strengths and flexible funding allow it to act both as a steady partner and a nimble innovator. To effect lasting change, it is also essential that we coordinate our efforts beyond our borders. The ECF is part of a highly supportive global network to stimulate climate-related policy work worldwide. We work alongside the Energy Foundation in the United States, the Energy Foundation China, Iniciativa Climatica de Mexico, Instituto Clima e Sociedade in Brazil, the Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation in India and the ClimateWorks Foundation to align the objectives of the climate community and beyond. Evolving together allows us to jointly confront the new challenges we face and expands our capacity for reactivity, resilience and mobilisation at scale.
For more information, access our FAQs and our most recent Annual Report.
