Sustainability In The Air

Why ClimateWorks Foundation believes strategic philanthropy is essential for the net zero transition

Jan 30, 2025

Anna Stratton, Associate Director of Aviation at ClimateWorks Foundation, discusses the pivotal role of philanthropy in achieving net zero in aviation. She highlights how funding can support sustainable aviation practices and emerging markets. Key insights include Europe’s ReFuelEU policy as a model for sustainable aviation fuel, the potential of hydrogen for short flights, and the excitement around contrail mitigation. Stratton urges a comprehensive approach that includes various solutions beyond sustainable fuels and emphasizes the importance of collaboration and innovation in the sector.

47:17

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Anna Stratton

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Quick takeaways

Philanthropy is essential for driving strategic investments in sustainable aviation solutions, ensuring emerging markets are considered in the net-zero transition.

The EU's ReFuelEU policy exemplifies effective governance by setting long-term standards for Sustainable Aviation Fuel, aiding in the aviation sector's decarbonization efforts.

Deep dives

Role of Philanthropy in Sustainable Aviation

Philanthropy plays a crucial role in addressing the climate impact of aviation. Organizations like ClimateWorks Foundation focus on innovative strategies to fund high-impact climate solutions, supporting sustainable alternative fuels and zero-emission aircraft development. They collaborate with various philanthropic entities and partners to devise tailored strategies aimed at achieving significant decarbonization goals in aviation. This approach emphasizes the need for collective effort and investment to create a credible pathway toward net-zero aviation.

Intro

4min

Rethinking Aviation for a Sustainable Future

10min

Decarbonizing Aviation: Policies and Innovations

19min

Aviation's Path to Net Zero

6min

The Impact of High-Speed Rail on Reducing Aviation Emissions

3min

Navigating Strategic Philanthropy in Climate Action

2min

Rapid Fire Personal Insights on Travel and Hobbies

2min

Navigating Decisions and Hope for a Greener Future

3min

In this episode, we speak with Anna Stratton, Associate Director, Aviation at ClimateWorks Foundation, a global platform for philanthropy that has granted over $2 billion to climate solutions across 50 countries.

Stratton shares insights into how philanthropic funding can drive aviation’s transition to net zero while ensuring emerging markets aren’t left behind. She discusses:

The crucial role of philanthropy in advancing sustainable aviation solutions through research, analysis, and policy development
Why Europe’s ReFuelEU policy sets a strong standard for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) mandate with its long-term outlook to 2050, specific e-fuel requirements, and robust sustainability safeguards
The potential of hydrogen for short and medium-haul flights, and the innovative approach of collaborating with shipping sector for infrastructure solutions
Why contrail mitigation represents an exciting near-term opportunity for emissions reduction, and the importance of monitoring and verification
The need to reimagine aviation growth, particularly focusing on high-flying groups like corporate travelers

Stratton emphasises that while industry focuses heavily on SAF, a comprehensive vision for net-zero aviation must include multiple solutions. She also outlines how philanthropy can strategically support civil society in driving aviation’s sustainable transformation, highlighting the need for both technological innovation and behavioural change.

Please note: This interview was recorded in September 2024. ClimateWorks has since updated its 2024 transportation grants, with $5.5M allocated to aviation, $72.3M to road transportation, and $13.3M to maritime shipping, bringing the total to $91.1M. The updated data is available on their website.

If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Sally Davey, CEO of Travalyst, who shares insights about transforming the travel industry through collaborative data initiatives. Check it out here.

Learn more about the innovators who are navigating the industry’s challenges to make sustainable aviation a reality, in our new book ‘Sustainability in the Air’. Click here to learn more.

Feel free to reach out via email to podcast@simpliflying.com. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.

Links & More:

ClimateWorks Foundation

Transportation - ClimateWorks Foundation

Less is more: How reducing demand for unnecessary business flights can help curb aviation emissions - ClimateWorks Foundation

Decarbonising aviation gains momentum with new net-zero goal - ClimateWorks Foundation