A Galvanizing Week With Climate Champions

By: Savanna Ferguson , Executive Director of Climate Breakthrough

In late June, I had the immense pleasure of participating in the annual Climate Breakthrough Awardee retreat in beautiful Cuernavaca, Mexico, joining the passionate and remarkable climate champions whom we are privileged to support as grantees. From many corners of the world, our awardees converged with a common purpose, fueled by the shared belief in our collective ability to confront the challenges that lie before us.?

Our retreats are awardee-centered events designed to foster awardee-to-awardee connection and knowledge transfer—and I was thrilled to see strong connections form and learnings shared. But above all, it was remarkable to witness how the diversity of the group elevated the gathering.

Brilliant individuals from various regions of the world, backgrounds, points of view, cultures, and disciplines came together, united by a common goal to close the gap between the world today and a sustainable future. Such varied perspectives and strategies, I recognize, are critical to creating innovative and multifaceted responses to the complex challenge of climate change.

Core to our mission, our retreat also delved into the critical realm of climate philanthropy. Through collaborative workshops and engaging conversations, we explored current trends and ways to ensure financial resources flow into sustainable initiatives that fuel progress and resilience. We celebrated success stories and honored shortfalls, and heard potent examples of mechanisms that have transformed communities and protected ecosystems.

After all we all have been through these past few years, I have a newfound appreciation for the privilege of gathering in person, and long before the pandemic, I recognized the climate impact of the travel such gatherings require. As the retreat drew to a close, it was clear to me that it was worth it. I believe the greatest gift of these gatherings is the renewed hope and confidence found through community–knowing that we are in this together and here to support one another.?

As a funder, we’re so lucky to be able to play a part in empowering our incredible awardees to carve the paths that lead to climate breakthroughs. What an honor to be working with all of you in this great climate action community to shape a sustainable, prosperous future for all.