Brad Ack

Financing Nature is one of the most useful podcasts for my work. In particular, Emily McKenzie's episode explain how the Task Force on Nature Related Disclosures works and is leading to more and more useful action by corporations on behalf of nature; and Elizabeth Beall of Finance Earth speaking about the operations of a fisheries improvement fund. The world is increasingly full of examples of blended private-public activity on behalf of nature, much of which has economic returns tied to it. I had the chance to talk about how US government policies have led to one of the largest, profitable nature investment markets in the world - mitigation and wildlife banks. Thousands of sites have been restored and protected. They are run by for profit and nonprofit organizations. They count toward protected lands goals across the country. And they bring more than $4 billion/year of private funds into conservation. Helen Avery Amy Allan Adam Davis https://lnkd.in/e_ngXVEG

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🌎Local Climate Action That Works for Every Jurisdiction 💪 California’s 2022 Scoping Plan Appendix D identifies three priority areas where local governments can take meaningful climate action—regardless of size, resources, or existing programs. These “no-regret” strategies align with state climate goals while offering flexibility for implementation: 1. Transportation Electrification 🚗 • Convert municipal fleets to zero-emission vehicles • Streamline EV charging infrastructure permitting • Exceed state building codes for EV readiness 2. VMT Reduction 🚲 • Eliminate or reduce minimum parking standards • Implement Complete Streets policies • Increase density near transit • Enable mixed-use, walkable development 3. Building Decarbonization 🔋 • Adopt all-electric new construction codes • Create retrofit programs for existing buildings • Deploy renewable energy and storage on public facilities What makes this framework powerful: jurisdictions can choose strategies that fit their specific context while contributing to statewide emission reductions. A small rural city and a large urban center can both take action—just in different ways. For cities without resources for full Climate Action Plans, these priorities provide a clear roadmap. For jurisdictions with existing plans, they offer alignment with California’s 2030 and 2045 targets. Link to full document: https://lnkd.in/gkMqdDPY #ClimateAction #LocalGovernment #Sustainability #CaliforniaClimate #UrbanPlanning

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In 2025, with funding support from Conservation Vietnam, PanNature launched the first year of our Grassroots Conservation Grant Program (2025–2030), dedicated to supporting small, local organizations working on the frontlines of biodiversity conservation in Vietnam. With targeted small grants, we are empowering grassroots partners to protect endangered species, conserve critical ecosystems, and strengthen community-based conservation efforts. Proud to help channel domestic philanthropic support into practical, locally driven conservation actions. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gr2zZKuB

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A new World Resources Institute piece on how to maximize the impact of a new IP & LC funding pledge, the Forest & Climate Leaders' Partnership land tenure commitment, and the Tropical Forest Forever Facility - TFFF at COP30 Brazil and beyond. By Celina Salcedo-La Vina, Minnie Degawan, Edward Davey, and me. https://lnkd.in/eG3as8FS

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As President of the World Meteorological Organization, I was pleased to chair the first Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting of 2026 that brings together a powerhouse of expertise: Regional Association Presidents, 12 WMO Executive Council Expert Members, and Technical Commission heads. This virtual session focus was clear: building the WMO Strategic Plan 2028–2031. This plan is the blueprint for how we will protect life and property in an increasingly complex climate landscape. We discussed: Member-Centric Design: Integrating outcomes from sub-regional consultations to ensure every nation’s voice is heard. Modernizing Our Vision: Aligning our core values with global initiatives like UN80 and UN 2.0. Agile Governance: Streamlining how our constituent bodies coordinate to deliver faster, more effective weather and climate services. The decisions made here will provide the strategic guidance necessary to keep the WMO at the forefront of the Earth system's protection and ensure delivery of accurate and reliable early warnings for weather water and climate extreme events.

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📢 Exciting news for #RegenerativeAgriculture in the Midwest!   Alongside 20 leading organizations, EDF is helping to design a capital orchestrator: an innovative new piece of financial infrastructure to attract and align multiple capital types — grants, equity, debt, guarantees and more — to drive the transition to regenerative ag in the Midwest.     From fragmented funding to strategically aligned capital, this is about shifting how money moves — for the benefit of our communities and our soil.   Informed by systems thinking. Backed by industry leaders. Grounded in farm realities.   ➡️ Learn more: https://2ly.link/289jb    #Midwest #polycapital #RegenerativeAgriculture #ImpactInvesting #AgInnovation  

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A Professional Development Opportunity from EAFund Currently Accepting our first Cohort of trainees. Ecosystems Awareness Fund (EAFund) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the strategic protection and restoration of global ecosystems. We are proud to present a new professional development course designed to empower the next generation of conservation leaders. Course Title: Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity Conservation This comprehensive program is tailored for environmental professionals, students, and advocates seeking to master the principles of modern conservation. Over a six-week period, you will acquire the expertise to transform scientific understanding into actionable plans, guided by a curriculum developed by EAFund's experts. What You Will Master 🌿 Ecosystem and Biodiversity Analysis: Learn to identify and articulate the critical value of ecosystem services and assess the intricate threats to biodiversity. ⚖️ Strategic Valuation: Apply advanced economic and non-monetary valuation methods to effectively communicate the worth of natural assets to diverse stakeholders. 🏒 Actionable Strategies: Develop and propose targeted conservation strategies, from restoration ecology to effective policy and advocacy campaigns. 🕹️ Professional Frameworks: Design robust frameworks for monitoring and evaluation to ensure project success and foster adaptive management. The course culminates in a comprehensive capstone project, where you will apply your new skills to develop a complete conservation plan for a real or hypothetical ecosystem. Upon successful completion, you will receive a verifiable digital certificate to validate your expertise. This course is offered free of charge and is available for a limited time. Enrollment Period: August 25, 2025 – October 8, 2025. Enroll for free today and build your future in conservation. https://lnkd.in/exEtYyXU #conservation #biodiversity #ecosystem

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Methane is one of the rare areas where climate action, public health, and economic efficiency align cleanly. Near-term reductions can deliver fast climate benefits while improving air quality and system efficiency across energy, agriculture, and waste. At Environmental Defense Fund, this has meant focusing on what matters most: better measurement, practical policy design, and partnerships with government and industry to turn intent into implementation. Evidence-led approaches here can deliver outsized results. A thoughtful and timely piece, and a reminder that some of the most effective climate solutions are also the most pragmatic. Environmental Defense Fund in India #Methane

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🌿 New Release! 🌍 Dive into the just-launched “Practice Guidance for Protected and Conserved Area Finance” — a powerful new resource with incredible work and insights of its dedicated authors! Protected and conserved areas are vital for nature, people, and the economy. This guide offers a comprehensive roadmap for using conservation finance to ensure their long-term success. Explore practical tools, proven frameworks, and strategic guidance on investing in our planet’s future. 💚📘 Link for downloading here: https://lnkd.in/gmnrkhFG #ConservationFinance #NatureForAll #PCAFinance #SustainableFuture #NewPublication Lucía Ruiz Bustos Mariana Bellot Alonso Martinez

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As an individual expert member involved across six of the IUCN’s Commissions (WCEL, WCPA, CEESP, CEM, CEC, and the new CCC), I break down how this union translates science into real-world action—from the Red List to Nature-based Solutions. If you want to understand the engine room of global policy, this is a quick and essential read. Read the full analysis here: https://lnkd.in/g-t8aV_G #IUCN #Conservation #EnvironmentalPolicy #ClimateAction #WCPA #CCC #Sustainability #CEESP #WCEL

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In a new post w/Joe Kane, we highlight the importance of balancing the key role water utilities play in local economic development - and even in defining the identity of (esp rural) places - with the need to manage resources and sustain the effectiveness of their water infrastructure. Regionalization is often touted as a solution. But what does that mean? And how can localities ensure collaboration fits their needs and parameters? Our analysis shows that such collaborations range from formal to informal, and encompass different degrees of integration. Regionalization does NOT always mean consolidation, and utilities are pursuing arrangements that fit their particular situation. At the same time, such regional efforts can enable economic development opportunities. The Brookings Institution Brookings Metro Olga Morales-Pate Laura Landes Hunter Jackman Nathan Ohle Farah Ahmad Emily Burleson, MSW Ines Polonius Ed Sivak #ruraldevelopment #ruralwater #rural https://lnkd.in/ei56-p_v

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