SENNA

Donors and Philanthropists Must Accelerate AI for Climate and Nature

By Senna Wilcox, Senior Financial Journalist

New York, December 3, 2025 - Donors and philanthropists are being urged to take a more active role in harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to tackle the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.

According to a report by nonprofit research group Project Evident, many grantmakers remain cautious about investing in AI-driven solutions, caught between the technology's potential and the perceived risks. But with AI already transforming every aspect of society - from fossil fuel extraction to fast fashion manufacturing - experts warn that further delay could be devastating.

"We don't have time to wait, and we can't afford to leave climate and nature nonprofits out of the AI conversation," said Anna Lerner Nesbitt and Frida Berry Eklund, the founders of Climate Collective and Klimatkollen. "AI can be a force multiplier for these underfunded organizations, helping with everything from climate adaptation to deforestation monitoring."

The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, a leading philanthropic investor in AI for social good, has already taken steps to mobilize more capital. The foundation recently convened a second field-building discussion, bringing together donors and family offices to explore ways of shaping the future of AI in service of the planet.

"Many donors share the concern that AI is already reshaping the landscape, often in ways that exacerbate environmental challenges," said a foundation spokesperson. "We're committed to providing the tools and lessons learned to help unlock additional philanthropic funding for this critical work."

Indeed, the evidence of AI's dual-edged impact is mounting. While more than a billion people now use AI chatbots regularly, the technology is also being deployed by fossil fuel companies to maximize extraction and by fast fashion brands to churn out even more emissions-intensive clothing. Generative AI, meanwhile, is fueling the spread of climate disinformation.

Yet the potential upsides are vast. AI can bolster vital climate adaptation efforts, improve early warning systems, help decarbonize industrial processes and increase transparency around environmental impact. Nonprofit organizations working on these frontline issues are eager to leverage the technology, but often lack the resources to do so effectively.

"The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation has the right idea - we need more philanthropists to step up and provide the catalytic capital that will allow climate and nature nonprofits to harness the power of AI," said Lerner Nesbitt. "The stakes have never been higher, and the window of opportunity is closing fast."