Environment

The Challenge

Climate patterns play a fundamental role in shaping natural ecosystems on which human economies and cultures of the world depend. These patterns are being negatively affected as increasing levels of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the global economy are influencing natural climatic and oceanic systems.  The concern is that the inherent ability of these systems to function normally will be compromised and less efficient in providing essential ecological goods and services that sustain the conditions for life.

Acidification of the world’s oceans and increased disruption of climatic systems are only two possible scenarios likely to occur as a result of increased global GHG emissions.  Meanwhile, a rapid depletion of marine resources has led to a global fisheries crisis, while strong scientific evidence exists to indicate that some geographies are experiencing severe biodiversity loss.

It is the realisation that these two threats disproportionately impact the economically disadvantaged that has led our Trustees to institute an Environment Programme focusing on the conservation of marine resources and the mitigation of climate change.
 

What we're doing

Our vision is to achieve a zero-carbon global economy and the recovery of marine fisheries and habitats.

In keeping with Oak Foundation’s overall vision and mission, in the Environment Programme, we aim to: 

• protect the oceans and the climate by contributing to the development of responsible global and local governance mechanisms; and
• catalyse transformational changes in the way these global commons are perceived and exploited, resulting in a more socially and environmentally sustainable society.

Please read the Climate Change and Marine Conservation pages to learn more about our programme priorities and current grant information.