WRI Head to Lead Bezos Earth Fund - $10 Billion Initiative

New Leadership for the Bezos Earth Fund

A new chief executive has been appointed to lead the $10 billion Bezos Earth Fund: Andrew Steer. He previously served as the head of the World Resources Institute, an organization Jeff Bezos himself acknowledged as dedicated to both poverty alleviation and environmental protection.

Spending Timeline and Objectives

According to a recent post by Steer, the fund’s $10 billion will be fully allocated by the year 2030. This ambitious timeline will require strategic investment and impactful initiatives.

Steer outlined the fund’s core strategy, stating it will support scientists, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), activists, and the private sector. The goal is to accelerate the development of new technologies, attract investments, influence policy, and modify behaviors.

Focus on Social Justice

Social justice will be a key emphasis of the Bezos Earth Fund. Steer highlighted that climate change disproportionately impacts vulnerable and marginalized communities, and the fund will prioritize addressing these inequities.

Initial Grant Recipients

The World Resources Institute was a significant recipient in the initial grant round, receiving a $100 million award. Other prominent organizations benefiting from these first grants included the Environmental Defense Fund, the Natural Resources Defense Council, The Nature Conservancy, and the World Wildlife Fund.

Steer’s Vision for the Fund

“I feel incredibly fortunate to join the Bezos Earth Fund as its CEO,” Steer stated. He intends to concentrate on fostering systemic change to tackle the climate and nature crises, placing a strong emphasis on people.

Steer believes that many promising initiatives are hindered by insufficient funding, inadequate risk management, or a lack of strategic partnerships. He envisions the Earth Fund playing a crucial role in overcoming these obstacles.

Expansion of the World Resources Institute

During his time at the WRI, Steer oversaw substantial international growth. The organization evolved from a Washington-based advocacy group into a global entity with offices in Indonesia, the UK, and Colombia.

Furthermore, Steer established hubs in Ethiopia and the Netherlands, and expanded operations in Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico.

Advancing Climate Change Understanding

Steer’s leadership at the WRI also involved the creation of coalitions and initiatives that reshaped the understanding of climate change economics. This included launching a $10 million annual initiative to support the implementation of climate action plans in 100 countries.

Endorsement from Christiana Figueres

Christiana Figueres, co-founder of Global Optimism and former Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, expressed strong support for Steer’s appointment. She believes the $10 billion Bezos Earth Fund has the potential to be a truly transformative force.

Figueres praised Steer’s global reputation, technical expertise, experience, and dedication to social justice, stating these qualities make him an ideal leader for the fund.