Clare Ballantine & Isona Shibata On Philanthropy’s Role In Adaptation Finance

How can philanthropy bridge the massive funding gap in climate adaptation?

In this episode, Clare Ballantine, Head of the Howden Foundation, and Isona Shibata, Head of International Programs at Ashden, unpack the role of philanthropic capital in building resilience for climate-vulnerable communities in the Global South.

They discuss the urgency of funding locally-led adaptation solutions, the power of anticipatory action, and how smart financial innovations — like micro parametric insurance — are protecting lives and livelihoods. 

Plus, a candid look at the challenges of attracting investment to adaptation and why philanthropy must embrace a venture capital mindset to make a difference.

Listen below, download from the Podcasts page on Climate Proof, or tune in via Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

We talk about:

👉 Why philanthropic funding is critical for closing the adaptation finance gap and supporting frontline communities

👉 The importance of funding grassroots initiatives that put adaptation tools directly in the hands of those most affected

👉 How approaches like parametric insurance, anticipatory action, and clean energy access are transforming adaptation efforts

👉 Why climate adaptation requires philanthropic funders willing to be bold, nimble, and risk taking

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Thanks for listening!

Louie Woodall
Editor