iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
The Rockefeller Foundation has appointed four experts of Indian origin to the new Climate Advisory Council that has been set up to help push people-centered climate solutions that reduce emissions and enhance opportunities for communities most vulnerable to the effects of global warming. The network of climate experts and innovators, representing a diverse array of perspectives, experiences, and regions where the foundation is operational, will serve as an influential voice to accelerate action toward a just transition and prosperous green economy.
Ani Dasgupta, President, and CEO of World Resources Institute; Arunabha Ghosh, Founder-CEO, Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW); Archana Soreng, Khadia Tribe, India; former Member of the United Nations Secretary General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change 2020-2023 and Sir Alok Sharma KCMG, COP26 President and Climate Finance Fellow at The Rockefeller Foundation are part of the nine-member council.
The Rockefeller Foundation is a pioneering philanthropy built on collaborative partnerships in science, technology, and innovation to enable individuals, families, and communities to flourish. The foundation is focused on advancing human opportunity and reversing the climate crisis by transforming systems in food, health, energy, and finance.
“Developing people-centered solutions to climate change requires a significant breadth, depth, and diversity of expertise,” said Elizabeth Yee, Executive Vice President of Programs at The Rockefeller Foundation and co-Chair of the Climate Advisory Council. “We are fortunate to partner with these world-class climate leaders who will help guide our decisions and evaluate our progress as we work to develop solutions that can enhance the well-being of people and the planet.”
The 111-year-old philanthropic organization established the new Council while in the early stages of a $1 billion commitment to advance a global climate transition that includes everyone, especially those who are most at risk. As part of its five-year climate strategy, The Rockefeller Foundation is also targeting net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for its endowment by 2050, making it the largest private U.S. foundation to date to make that commitment. In addition, the Foundation is taking steps toward reaching net-zero for the entirety of its global operations, which include headquarters in New York City and locations in Washington, D.C.; Nairobi, Kenya; Bangkok, Thailand; and Bellagio, Italy.
The Council, which will meet three to four times a year, will advise on the Foundation’s portfolio of climate solutions to ensure the most transformational impact. Each inaugural member of The Rockefeller Foundation Climate Advisory Council will serve a voluntary two-year term.
“I am delighted to co-chair The Rockefeller Foundation’s new Climate Advisory Council. Together, we will support the Foundation to develop and scale innovative solutions to solve the climate crisis and support those most vulnerable to its impacts,” said Sir Alok Sharma, who will also co-chair the Climate Advisory Council. “I look forward to working with eminent experts across sectors in this vital endeavor to advance climate action.”
The Rockefeller Foundation Climate Advisory Council Members:
Ani Dasgupta, President, and CEO of World Resources Institute
Karen Fang, Managing Director, Global Head of Sustainable Finance, Bank of America
Arunabha Ghosh, Founder-CEO, Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW)
Naoko Ishii, Special Presidential Envoy for Global Commons, University of Tokyo, Professor and Director of the Center for Global Commons
James Irungu Mwangi, CEO of Africa Climate Ventures
Archana Soreng, Khadia Tribe, India; former Member of the United Nations Secretary General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change 2020-2023
Rt Hon Sir Alok Sharma KCMG, COP26 President and Climate Finance Fellow at The Rockefeller Foundation
Vera Songwe, Founder and Chair, Liquidity and Sustainability Facility; Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Brookings, AGI
Xiye Bastida, Climate Justice Activist; Executive Director of Re-Earth Initiative
