Funding at the intersection of social, environmental, and equity issues in the UK

Are you a funder focused on social issues, the environment, or both?

Social, environmental, and equity issues are interconnected and impact everyone. In an era of ‘polycrisis' (where various crises happen simultaneously and intertwin) we need to share expertise, resources, and influence to improves lives and our environment together.

An intersectional example – the obesity crisis and the climate crisis

Consider two different crises - climate and obesity. Although they may seem unrelated, there are numerous points of intersection between the two including...

• The combustion of fossil fuels is the primary cause of climate change and a significant source of air pollution. Being exposed to air pollution is associated with childhood obesity. For instance, exposure during the initial six months of a child's life modifies a child's microbiome, heightening the likelihood of obesity, along with other health and developmental issues.

• Industrial farming allows for the mass production of cheaper food, but this comes at the cost of increased greenhouse gas emissions, compromised animal welfare, the devastation of crucial ecosystems like rainforests, and a decline in the quality of the food produced. For instance, fish farmed through industrial methods tends to have elevated levels of omega-6 instead of the beneficial omega-3 found in wild fish, and a high consumption of omega-6 has been associated with obesity.

• Toxic chemicals are used in industrial farming and food packaging. Obesity is associated with several endocrine disrupting chemicals, with young people being particularly susceptible.

• The increasing cost of fresh produce, aggravated by climate change, exacerbates food insecurity for people on lower incomes. Food insecurity is linked to higher consumption of inexpensive highly processed foods which, in turn, is linked to weight gain.

• Inequality is pervasive within social and environmental issues, including the obesity and climate crises. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that inequality is also rife at the intersection of social and environmental issues as well. Those in poverty, within which Disabled people and ethnic minority communities are disproportionately represented, experience the worst impacts of the climate crisis and the obesity crisis.

How could funders use such information? Below are three potential actions to contemplate at the intersection of social and environmental issues:

1. Systemic level - collaborate and/or fund collaborative work

Examining root causes will often help address various social and environmental issues simultaneously. For example a health funder might choose to support initiatives that aim to decrease the use of fossil fuels through promoting renewable energy, building movements, advocating for better policies, or other means of creating change. They may decide to concentrate on addressing air pollution or toxic substances because of links to obesity. On the other hand, a climate funder might explore how fairness and justice factor into discussions about regenerative agriculture and how shifts in food production - if managed well - can lead to a more equitable, healthier, and sustainable future for all. Systemic change is more likely to occur when we combine our knowledge, expertise, and resources across different interconnected issues.

2. Community level - fund work identified by those most impacted

The people most affected by our changing environment are frequently those least heard in decision making that affects their lives. This is a missed opportunity. People with first-hand experience are best positioned to help identify integrated solutions to improve lives now whilst improving the health of people and planet longer-term. For example, engaging with a community (of place or a specific social group) on how to address the climate and obesity crises might surface that they want assistance to establish community gardens for growing their own food, and help to advocate for better quality, accessible, and affordable food for everyone. This would improve their health and environment in a myriad of ways. The community might also express a desire for increased access to green spaces to improve their mental and physical well-being - they might even know that better access to green space is linked to reducing the risk of childhood obesity.  

3. Organisational level - use all your resources to accelerate change

At the organizational level, each funder may wish to consider to what extent their investments, pensions, and banking are aligned with their philanthropic goals. For example, a health funder might acknowledge the influence of the fossil fuel industry on health and opt to divest from fossil fuels. And might also decide to ensure that their staff and trustees are Carbon Literate. Both health and climate funders might leverage their lobbying and convening capabilities. And imagine what a greater impact they could achieve together...

Some resources that might support you on your journey include: 

• Everyone’s Environment’s briefings on how different social groups are impacted by the climate and nature crises in the UK (NPC, updated periodically)

• Acting on the Climate Crisis (EFN & ACF / FCCC, updated periodically)

• Introduction to Environmental Philanthropy (Liz Gadd, NPC, 2022)

• Funding The Future, how the climate crisis intersects with your giving (Active Philanthropy, 2020)

• The Funder Commitment on Climate Change

Whether you are a funder or a charity, get in touch if you’d like support on the next stage of your journey to ‘multisolve’ at the intersection of social, environmental, and equity issues.