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Climate change is no longer a scientific forecast. It's a daily reality for many people in the Global South.Crops are failing, cities are flooding, and wildfires are becoming the norm.
Yet, only a fraction of climate finance goes toward climate adaptation solutions.
Why does adaptation remain so drastically underfunded?And what does it take to invest in adaptation?
To unpack this complex topic, today we are joined by Timothy Rann, Managing Partner at Mercy Corps Ventures. Timothy has led over 70 investments in emerging markets with one goal: to build real climate resilience where it matters most.
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What we discussed:
Adaptation vs mitigation: why we need both
Why adaptation finance lags despite a $300B funding gap
The missed opportunities for global investors
Investment case studies with Pula and Meridia
The role of governments, regulations, and public goods
… and more!
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References:
Pula (agricultural insurance)
Meridia (farm data & traceability)
Wasoko (supply chain resilience)
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In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Introduction & Sponsor
(01:57) Adaptation vs. Mitigation
(11:39) The Case for Adaptation
(18:20) Investment Strategies in Adaptation
(25:57) The Social Mission of VC?
(34:49) Investing in Adaptation
(47:31) Can You Make Money in Climate?
(49:52) Fire Questions 🔥
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Who’s next?👀
Next week, I’ll be joined by the Head of Sustainability at Daphni to unpack the role of ESG in venture capital. Too often dismissed as box-ticking, ESG can actually be a powerful framework for building resilient, future-proof startups. Stay tuned to learn more.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climateventuresvco2.substack.com