Al Gore’s Just Climate Fund Secures $175M from Microsoft and CalSTRS for Innovative Nature-Based Climate Solutions

In the realm of climate-related investments, a significant amount of funding has traditionally flowed towards sectors like energy and transportation. However, nature-based solutions, which include vital biodiversity initiatives, often receive much less attention. In 2022, only $35 billion was allocated to these solutions compared to a staggering $1.46 trillion for other areas of climate finance.

Just Climate: A New Approach to Nature-Based Solutions

To tackle this funding gap, Just Climate has successfully raised $175 million with support from Microsoft’s Climate Innovation Fund and CalSTRS. Just Climate is an innovative offshoot of Al Gore’s Generation Investment Management, shifting its focus from traditional industrial climate solutions to embracing the potential of natural climate solutions.

Understanding Natural Climate Solutions

Natural climate solutions encompass a wide range of practices that can effectively mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. These include:

• Farming techniques that promote sustainability
• Forestry initiatives aimed at reforestation
• Land-use strategies that minimize carbon footprints

Collectively, these practices account for approximately 15% of global annual emissions. However, they also play a crucial role in removing existing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, making them vital for climate action.

Investment Focus: Restoring Nature

The focus of the new fund is to restore ecosystems and reverse biodiversity loss while reducing emissions from land use. Some potential areas for investment include:

• Biological fertilizers and pesticides: Enhancing soil health while minimizing chemical use.
• Restoration finance platforms: Funding initiatives that rehabilitate degraded ecosystems.
• Technological innovations: Developing tools to verify carbon reduction and protect biodiversity.

First Investment: NatureMetrics

Just Climate made its inaugural investment in January by leading a Series B funding round for NatureMetrics. This innovative company employs a technique known as environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling to assess the biodiversity of various sites, utilizing free-floating DNA found in soil and water samples.

For more insights on climate finance and investment strategies, explore our detailed guide on climate investment strategies.

By prioritizing nature-based solutions, Just Climate is paving the way for a more sustainable approach to environmental preservation while addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change.