The Carbon Curve Philanthropy's role in shaping climate finance
Episode 57 is with Adam Fraser, CEO of Terraset.
In this episode, Na’im speaks with Adam Fraser about Terraset, an innovative nonprofit dedicated to removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. They discuss Adam's background in sports journalism and his transition to climate action. They highlight the unique approaches Terraset uses to fund carbon removal, including a recently launched revolving fund which pre-purchases carbon removal and reinvests proceeds to create a sustainable funding model. They also discuss the importance of philanthropic capital to catalyze the nascent carbon removal industry and how Terraset collaborates with various stakeholders to support and scale early-stage carbon removal companies. The episode delves into the diverse motivations and profiles of Terraset’s donors, the gaps and challenges in funding permanent carbon removal and potential solutions, and the future plans for Terraset and how interested parties can get involved.
In this episode, Na’im and Adam discuss:
* Adam’s journey into carbon removal;
* Terraset’s mission and approach;
* Challenges and opportunities in funding carbon removal;
* Innovative funding models for carbon removal;
* Terraset's Revolving Fund.
Relevant Links:
* What carbon removal suppliers need most in 2025 - Terraset Survey Finding
* Launching the Terraset Revolving Fund - Terraset Substack
* New carbon removals fund aims to spur project development - Trellis
About Adam:
In 2023 he was named as the first CEO of Terraset, a nonprofit focused on removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Prior to Terraset, Adam served as Chief Executive of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, a global nonprofit founded under the Patronage of Nelson Mandela after the role he saw sport play in rebuilding post-apartheid South Africa. He now sits on the organization’s 501(c)(3) Board, as well as the Board of YPO Manhattan. He has worked as a journalist and writer, communications lead, and nonprofit brand and business development specialist, and has built successful funding partnerships on every continent.
Background on Terraset:
Terraset is a nonprofit that uses philanthropic capital to catalyze the nascent carbon removal industry. They pool tax-deductible donations from individuals, foundations, family offices, and donor-advised funds, and make strategic purchases of permanent, high-quality carbon removal from innovative projects and companies.
This episode was created and published by Na’im Merchant. Episode production and content support provided by Tank Chen.
Na’im Merchant is the co-founder and Executive Director of Carbon Removal Canada, a policy initiative focused on scaling carbon removal in Canada. He is on the advisory board of the Carbon Removal Standards Initiative and Terraset, and a former policy fellow with Elemental Impact. He previously ran carbon removal consulting practice Carbon Curve, and publishes The Carbon Curve newsletter and podcast. Every two weeks, Na’im will release a short interview with individuals advancing the policies, technologies, and collective action needed to scale up carbon removal around the world.
Tank Chen is the Head of Content and Community at CDR.fyi, a public benefit corporation dedicated to accelerating carbon removal through transparency. He is also the co-founder of CDRjobs, a career platform for the carbon removal industry. Based in Taiwan, Tank is a carbon removal advocate focused on educating policymakers, corporate leaders, and the public on the importance of carbon removal, using data-driven insights to support communication and policy advocacy.
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