Philanthropy’s blind spot
7 reasons why we need to increase quality funding to the Global South
At Impatience Earth, we’re dedicated to increasing funding for climate solutions that benefit both the planet and people. But it’s not just about the amount of funding—it’s also about where the money goes, who receives it, and the conditions under which it’s given. These factors are all crucial for systems change. That’s why Impatience Earth aims for at least 50% of the funds we catalyse to go towards solutions in the Global South, and using practices that shift power dynamics between donors and grantees.
Before we dive into why this is so important, we want to acknowledge that the term “Global South” is imperfect. We prefer “Global Majority” where possible but we recognise that “Global South” remains a widely understood term and one that reflects certain geographical, political, and economic realities that other terms may not capture. With that said, here are seven reasons why we believe it’s critical to increase funding in the Global South:
1. The Global South is home to some of the most exciting, impactful and innovative climate and nature solutions.
Take the Ashuar people of the Ecuadorian Amazon (profiled in this research article) who, alongside NGOs and engineers, designed solar-powered canoes that blend traditional designs with modern technology. This sustainable, emissions-free transport serves nine communities along 67 km of river, offering a cleaner way to connect.
Consider also Kusini Water – a social enterprise that builds water treatment systems using macadamia nut shells and nanotechnology. By repurposing waste, they not only bring clean, safe drinking water across Africa but they also create jobs and livelihoods.
In Brazil, the Landless Workers Movement uses ancestral farming techniques to produce over 16,000 tonnes of rice each year. The movement is based on a co-operative model that includes 352 families who cultivate 3,200 hectares of land – making it Latin America’s largest organic rice producer. This approach showcases how large-scale farming can be sustainable, successful and socially impactful at the same time.
2. Some of the most powerful mitigators of climate change - and their most effective protectors - are in the Global South.
A study found that “between 2001 and 2019, the world’s forests absorbed about 1.5 times more carbon than the entire United States emits annually” and that in that period, forests absorbed twice as much carbon as they emitted each year. These carbon sinks are critical for helping us maintain a liveable climate as set out in the Paris Agreement and reaching a carbon-neutral world. Tropical rainforests are especially important ecosystems for mitigating climate change and protecting biodiversity and the world’s three largest tropical rainforests – the Amazon, Congo River basin and Southeast Asia – are all in regions of the Global South.
Indigenous communities have long been guardians and custodians of these natural wonders for generations and under their stewardship, we see lower rates of deforestation and biodiversity loss. Enabling indigenous custodians is key to preserving our planet’s vital carbon sinks and learning how to live more sustainably with natur
3. Funding goes further
Because of differences in exchange rates, labour costs and local economies, the cost of goods and services vary globally. In some economies in the Global South, each dollar can have a significant impact. Below are a few examples of some incredible achievments:
- In Ghana, SYND which is made up of a small but dedicated team amplifies youth voices to shape environmental policy at national and regional levels.
- In India, a landmark judgment by the Supreme Court established there was a constitutional right to be free from the harmful effects of climate change.
- In Colombia, courts made a historic ruling that the government must protect its portion of the rainforest from deforestation. South America in particular is emerging as a leader in environmental litigation – offering valuable lessons and positive implications for the rest of the world
These efforts are holding decision-makers, governments and corporations to account and show how well-placed, strategic funding can drive systemic change. All of this is happening in contexts where relatively modest resources can go much further. Imagine how much more could be achieved with increased support.
4. Countries in the Global South receive the least amount of climate finance - despite bearing the greatest impacts of climate change
Many of these countries have been experiencing the most devastating impacts of climate change for decades, yet support remains insufficient. A 2023 landscape review of global climate finance – covering both public and private funding – found that the ten countries most affected by climate change received less than 2% of total climate finance between 2000 and 2019.
As the report put it, “funding is falling woefully short of needs of Global South countries.” This is especially unsettling when you consider that these countries – combined with 63 others – contribute less than one-tenth of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet suffer the most from climate change. The gap couldn’t be clearer, and it’s a problem that needs urgent action. It’s not just about meeting the obvious need. It’s about backing creative solutions that can drive real change, with benefits that extend far beyond the Global South
5. Tackling the climate crisis requires diverse voices at the table
Without this inclusivity, we risk creating solutions that do not align with the priorities of Global South countries and communities. Take the UN-led REDD+ initiative for example. The initiative was constructed to offer financial returns to landowners and jurisdictions in developing countries for reducing deforestation. While well-intentioned, the programme has been widely criticised for harming indigenous and forest-dependent communities. Studies highlight harms like displacement of peoples, undermining of local governance structures, and fostering community conflict. REDD+ projects often sidelined Indigenous political systems in decision-making, leaving them with limited power to shape climate policy, design mitigation programs, and participate in and benefit from their implementation.
In contrast, it’s suggested that for programmes like REDD+ to be more effective, they need to take an approach based on climate justice principles and include Indigenous peoples as central partners in shaping solutions.
6. What happens in the Global South does not stay in the Global South
Our interconnected world means that climate impacts in one region create ripples elsewhere. From disruptions to supply chains that interrupt the movement of goods like pharmaceuticals, to effects on food supply, to shifting migration patterns, the effects are felt everywhere. That’s why it’s in our interests as a global community to fund solutions in the Global South that both mitigate impacts and help communities build resilience to the impacts of climate change.
It’s important to note that solutions in the Global North also play a huge role in addressing climate change. For example, over-consumerism is a major contributor to carbon emissions and it disproportionately takes place in Global North countries. However, we must not overlook the opportunities for impact in the Global South. Real impact comes from investing in change on both fronts.
7. Philanthropy can be the secret ingredient to champion big ideas across the Global South
Philanthropic capital can be adaptable, patient and fund bold, new solutions that other funding sources might overlook. In Zimbabwe, for example, Tudor Trust’s long-term funding for Holistic Land and Livestock Management allowed farmers to experiment, learn, and build trust at their own pace. Global Greengrants Fund empowered Indigenous movements in the Congo to reclaim their rights and protect forests. Unlike government action, which initially fueled displacement and deforestation, by working and funding directly with local activists, the Indigenous communities were able to preserve their forests.
