Join philanthropic leaders, journalists, and media innovators to explore why storytelling might be one of the most overlooked — and underinvested — levers for driving climate action.
Despite growing public concern about climate change, climate philanthropy remains less than 2% of overall philanthropic giving. At the same time, millions of people continue to receive limited, inconsistent, or highly polarized information about climate risks and solutions. As funders seek the highest-leverage opportunities to accelerate climate action, an important question emerges: Is strengthening climate journalism one of the most underinvested climate solutions available today?
This discussion will bring together philanthropic leaders, climate journalists, and media innovators to explore the role of journalism in shaping public understanding, informing decision-makers, and creating the conditions for durable climate progress. Panelists will examine how philanthropic investments can expand high-quality climate reporting, reach audiences beyond traditional environmental circles, elevate local and community-based stories, and counter misinformation without compromising journalistic independence. The conversation will also explore what funders can learn from successful investments in media and narrative change, where the greatest funding gaps exist today, and how strategic support for journalism can help unlock progress across climate mitigation, resilience, public health, economic development, and environmental justice. Following the panel discussion, leaders of five journalism non-profits in the climate space will deliver concise, high-impact pitches tailored to philanthropists and philanthropic advisors interested in supporting essential climate reporting and communication.
For funders looking to maximize impact, this session will consider whether supporting climate journalism is not simply a communications strategy, but a critical investment in the infrastructure of climate action itself.
8:45am – Doors Open
9:00am – Welcome Remarks:
- Philippe Roesle, CEO and Consul, Swissnex in Boston and New York
- Randall Kempner, Executive Director, Climate Philanthropy Catalyst Coalition
9:15am – Panel Discussion
- Nikhil Swaminathan, CEO, Grist
- Sean Harder, Senior Communications Officer, MacArthur Foundation
- Emily Holden, Founder, Floodlight, Co-Chair, Climate News Task Force
- Paula Dupraz-Dobias, International Journalist & Producer
10:00am – Climate Journalism Solutions Showcase
- Sentient: Ana Bradley, Executive Director
- Green Philly: Julie Hancher, Co-Founder & Editor
- Canary Media: Nicholas Rinaldi, General Manager
- Mongabay: Rhett Butler, Founder & CEO
11:00am – Networking
12:00pm – End