S2E20: Can philanthropy revive a stalling environmental agenda in Asia?

Jul 14, 2025

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The power of philanthropic capital lies in its catalytic nature, says CEO of Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA) Shaun Seow.

Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change.

The world is becoming an increasingly risky place as the impacts of climate change and nature loss worsen. And there’s a growing need for more funding to limit the damage and improve the livelihoods of communities.

But the problem is, funding from governments, especially aid money, is drying up in some places. The funding gap is huge but philanthropy is helping fill some of the void. Family offices, international foundations, wealthy individuals and more are stepping in and their money is vital in helping de-risk climate and nature investments to make them more palatable for private and government funders.

Every dollar of philanthropic capital can mobilise $9 of additional funding. Together, the money can be directed towards vital areas, such as ocean health and coastal protection, sustainable land use, nature restoration and climate adaptation and much more.

The end game is not band aid solutions, Shaun Seow, CEO of Philanthropy Asia Alliance, tells Audrey Tan and David Fogarty in this latest episode of Green Pulse. The end game is to de-risk and allow private capital to “work its magic”.

Have a listen, and let us know what you think!

Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):

1:20 How are philanthropies responding to the different environmental agendas, and funding gaps, of governments?

6:14 To what extent are philanthropies in Asia focusing on climate and catalytic funding?

12:42 How is PAA bringing together different funders?

18:54 What other areas can be a focus for philanthropies interested in Asia?

21:20 For catalytic capital, what are the key concerns for philanthropists in Asia?

25:15 As climate risks grow, are more foundations and wealthy individuals knocking on PAA’s door?

Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W

Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2

Follow David Fogarty on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/jcvy

Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu