Helen Mountford, President and CEO of the ClimateWorks Foundation

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Helen Mountford, President and CEO of the ClimateWorks Foundation, provides a clear and structured overview of the current state of climate philanthropy and its role in supporting decarbonization, resilience, and systemic climate solutions. ClimateWorks, founded in 2008, was established to improve coordination among climate funders and to identify high-impact interventions that can be supported at scale. Since its inception, the organization has granted over $2 billion to partners in more than 50 countries.

Mountford explains how philanthropic funding is well-positioned to play a catalytic role in advancing climate solutions, despite its relatively small scale compared to public and private capital. Philanthropy’s comparative advantage lies in its ability to take calculated risks, support early-stage innovation, and invest in enabling conditions—such as policy research, technical capacity, and coalition building—that other sectors may overlook. She gives examples ranging from industrial decarbonization (such as the development of LC3 cement) to the role of philanthropic incentives in accelerating energy-efficient air conditioning technologies.

The discussion explores how the cost of renewable energy has now undercut that of fossil fuels in many regions, even when paired with battery storage. This shift has made the economic case for clean energy more compelling, though political and regulatory obstacles remain. Mountford notes that while some jurisdictions are experiencing pushback—through efforts to weaken ESG standards or reduce transparency—broader market and investment trends still favor climate-aligned strategies.

A recurring theme in the conversation is the growing convergence between climate and other sectors, such as public health, agriculture, and education. Many foundations that did not historically identify as climate funders are now incorporating climate dimensions into their work. Conversely, climate-focused funders increasingly recognize the importance of aligning with local development goals. Mountford points to the rise of collaborative initiatives aimed at climate adaptation and resilience, particularly in areas that overlap with development priorities.

On strategy, she emphasizes the importance of data and coordination. ClimateWorks helps funders co-develop shared approaches based on emissions profiles, political context, and evidence of what is feasible. This includes identifying areas where philanthropic investment can help unlock larger flows of capital or policy change. A systematic, portfolio-level approach helps reduce duplication and increases the likelihood of durable outcomes.

Mountford also discusses the challenges of data collection in the philanthropic sector, particularly with respect to individual giving and the measurement of adaptation-related investments. ClimateWorks continues to invest in improving data transparency and encourages others to do the same, as shared information strengthens the entire ecosystem.

The episode concludes with a reflection on the role of accurate, credible information in sustaining climate progress. Mountford cautions against the influence of misinformation, which can lead to apathy or misdirected skepticism, and reiterates that while challenges persist, there is substantial forward movement that deserves attention.

About Helen Mountford

Helen Mountford is the president and CEO of ClimateWorks Foundation, a global platform for philanthropy to innovate and scale high-impact climate solutions that benefit people and the planet.

She brings to her role almost 30 years of global experience working with governments, think tanks, corporates, and civil society at the intersection of climate action and economic development. Before joining ClimateWorks, Helen was vice president of climate and economics at World Resources Institute, and previously she worked at the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).