Philanthropy Australia and the Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network (AEGN) have partnered to launch the Climate Lens tool. The tool, the first of its kind in Australia, will highlight how a nuanced approach to supporting social impact can help philanthropists minimise the effects of climate change.

The Climate Lens tool has been designed to help funders, philanthropists and Australians interested in climate action by breaking down the unique impacts of climate change on various social issues. This will be achieved by highlighting the gap in giving and impact, a result of only 2 per cent of philanthropic giving in Australia being directed to the environment and climate change, which in turn affects other issue areas and marginalised communities.

Jack Heath, CEO, Philanthropy Australia, said, ‘We know climate change is on many of our members’ minds, but the size and complexity of the issue can often obscure pathways to action. The Climate Lens tool shines a light on the impacts and opportunities to act in a clear and compelling way. We think it will be an invaluable resource to the philanthropic community in Australia.’

The tool highlights how climate change impact is directly related to a number of other, more common areas of giving, such as health and wellbeing, children and young people, women’s rights and gender equality, socioeconomic disadvantage, disasters and emergency management, biodiversity threats, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice.

Research within the tool that highlights the intersection of climate change and other issues includes 86 per cent of Australians aged between 14 to 17 already considering climate change to be a threat to their safety, as well as a UN-estimated 80 per cent of people displaced by climate change being women. Australians facing disadvantages are more likely to live in areas most affected by climate impacts, and when disasters occur, these communities do not have the resources to cope. Without adequate funding or understanding of climate change impact, these intersectional groups will continue to feel the effects of a lack of funding within the climate change space.

‘While some funders are passionate about the climate crisis, others are newer to exploring these issues, or may feel unsure where to start. The Climate Lens aims to help Australians understand that funding climate action inherently helps to address the other issues they care about; whether it’s First Nations justice, gender equality, poverty and disadvantage, health or other areas. There is no community that climate change is not impacting in Australia, and our marginalised communities are most at risk. The more we can understand the implications of these intersecting issues, the better we can drive action and effective outcomes’ said Amanda Martin, CEO of the Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network.

Philanthropy Australia is the national peak body for philanthropy, working to achieve a generous and inclusive Australia through more and better philanthropy.

The Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network (AEGN) is Australia’s premier network for philanthropists funding in climate change and environmental protection.

Simon Hungin is a freelance writer that supports Alliance magazine.