Aussie Billionaire Follows Gates' Lead, Pledges $7 Billion for Environmental Action
Cameron Adams and his wife Lisa Miller joined the Giving Pledge, a global philanthropic commitment founded by Bill Gates, Melinda French Gates, and Warren Buffett.
Their decision was revealed on May 20 in a letter made available to The Epoch Times.
The couple will channel their giving through the Wedgetail Foundation, which already backs over 35 environmental projects across 19 countries.
With their Canva equity soon becoming accessible, they plan to expand this work in what they describe as a 'critical decade' for environmental action.
'We believe that with good fortune comes great responsibility, and the growth of Canva has unlocked opportunities to scale our impact in ways we never imagined possible,' they wrote.
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Canva is an easy-to-use online graphic design website founded in Australia that has exploded in popularity with over 200 million users, and has made its three co-founders billionaires.
Hoping to Protect 30 Percent of the Planet
In their letter, Adams and Miller stressed that philanthropy is not just charity, but a powerful tool to address the systemic causes of environmental decline.
'Many of the ecosystems that support our lives are being destroyed—and our future depends on how we choose to save them,' Adams said.
They plan to align their giving with global targets like the U.N. Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and the 30x30 biodiversity goal, which aims to protect 30 percent of the planet by 2030.
The couple also highlighted the need to support frontline communities who are both custodians and stewards of the environment, especially in biodiversity hotspots.
A Vision Beyond Business
Adams and Miller said their journey with Canva was always about more than building a successful company. It was also about using their platform and resources to do good at scale.
'Nature nourishes us, sustains us, inspires us, and shapes how we live,' they wrote. 'With the right resources and intent, we can restore what's been lost and build a sustainable future.'
Joining the Giving Pledge, which includes global figures such as media mogul Ted Turner and Indian tech billionaire Azim Premji, the couple said they hope their commitment inspires others—especially in Australia—to take similar action.
'Philanthropy has a unique ability to drive innovation, restore ecosystems, and create lasting environmental and societal impact,' they said. 'Inaction is not an option.'
They concluded the pledge asking other like them to join the cause.
'We hope others will recognise the power of philanthropy to create lasting environmental and societal impact by joining us in this commitment.'
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