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Euronews
2 days ago
- Business
- Euronews
Two European countries in ‘red zone' of climate finance vulnerability
A new index has identified the countries most vulnerable to climate shocks. More than two billion people live in 'red zone' nations, where the risk of a major hazard or disaster is high and access to finance is dwindling, it reveals. Two-thirds of the 65 nations in this most at-risk list are in Africa, but it also includes two in Europe: Cyprus and Ukraine. Built by Columbia Climate School in the US with support from The Rockefeller Foundation, the Climate Finance (CliF) VulnerabilityIndex is intended to provide more comprehensive risk assessments, and ultimately help direct aid to those who need it most. How does debt increase climate vulnerability? 'Climate shocks are becoming more frequent and intense, yet many of the nations facing the highest threats are also heavily indebted, limiting their access to financial markets,' says Jeff Schlegelmilch, Associate Professor of Professional Practice of Climate and Director of the National Centre for Disaster Preparedness at the Columbia Climate School. Heatwaves, floods, cyclones, droughts and other extreme events are all on the rise as the climate heats up. Though predictions are rife with uncertainties, these climate disasters could result in more than 14.5 million deaths and $12.5 trillion (around €10.7 trillion) in global economic losses by 2050, according to the World Economic Forum. Meanwhile the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that the annual adaptation financing gap - the amount countries need to adapt to climate change - could be as much as $387 billion (€331 billion) a year. At the same time, high borrowing costs and limited access to finance keep many nations trapped in a cycle of climate disaster response and recovery, the researchers say, unable to really advance their climate mitigation and adaptation. 'Traditional aid models based on GDP per capita or income level don't capture the unique and growing risks of climate exposure along with limited access to capital to manage these risks,' adds Schlegelmilch. 'The CliF Vulnerability Index provides a more realistic picture of risk, including the access to financing to address climate vulnerabilities.' Eric Pelofsky, Vice President for Global Economic Recovery at The Rockefeller Foundation, says the index is an important conversation-starter, on the eve of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville next week. 'By using the CliF Vulnerability Index, donors and funders can prioritise support for countries that are potentially living one disaster away from crisis.' Why are Cyprus and Ukraine 'red zone' nations? The Red Zone is dominated by countries in sub-Saharan Africa, which comprise 43 (66 per cent) of the 65 countries in the danger area where climate vulnerability and financial weakness overlap. The index makes four forecasts per country: using a 2050 or 2080 timeline, as well as 'optimistic' and 'pessimistic' climate scenarios. 10 African nations appear in the bottom 10 countries across all four scenarios: Angola, Burundi, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Eritrea, Lesotho, Malawi, South Sudan, Sudan, and Zambia. Saliem Fakir, Executive Director of The African Climate Foundation, says the index complements its own work advocating for 'more systemic approaches to adaptation in Africa for countries suffering by high debt distress.' Ukraine and Cyprus also appear in the red zone; Cyprus in the 2050 optimistic, 2050 pessimistic, and 2080 pessimistic scenarios. Ukraine in 2050 optimistic and 2080 optimistic scenarios. This is primarily due to non-climate hazards, which are nonetheless included in the data. Cyprus is prone to earthquakes, while conflict in Ukraine makes it vulnerable. These factors impact disaster management, climate adaptation systems and pressures on finance, a spokesperson for Columbia Climate School and Rockefeller Foundation explains. European nations are better represented among the list of nations best equipped to deal with climate shocks. Eight of these top 10 countries are OECD members, and half are in Europe: Denmark, Estonia, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, as well as South Korea, Japan and the US.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Rockefeller Foundation Releases New Polling Data: Majority of Americans Want Food is Medicine Programs
Nearly 80% of Americans think food and nutrition should be covered by insurance to address chronic disease NEW YORK, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- New polling data from The Rockefeller Foundation shows that more than four in five adults in the United States – across demographics, income levels, party affiliations, and geographies – support integrating Food is Medicine (FIM) programs into U.S. healthcare. The survey, conducted by Hattaway Communications, highlights high interest but low public awareness of FIM programs, which aim to treat and manage chronic disease by increasing access to nutritious foods. The research underscores the perceived benefits of Food is Medicine programs, with 79% of respondents reporting that FIM programs would personally help them eat better after they received a definition of the intervention. "Americans want nutrition and food solutions to help them eat better, improve their health, and save money," said Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation. "We know that these programs are effective in helping patients manage diet-related chronic disease and are cost-effective too. Now, it's even clearer that there is a huge opportunity to improve Americans' health outcomes by investing in low-cost, individualized Food is Medicine solutions that are both proven and popular." Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, impact an estimated 133 million Americans—more than 38% (or one-third) of the total U.S. population—and cost the United States $1.1 trillion per year (equivalent to what the U.S. spends on food itself). The vast majority of chronic conditions are diet-related: In the United States alone, poor diets contribute to 500,000 deaths annually. Modeling on medically tailored meals shows that investing in FIM programs could save an estimated $32.1 billion a year, significantly reducing Americans' healthcare costs. Even still, only 13% of Americans polled said they knew about FIM programs, which include interventions such as medically tailored meals and prescriptions for accessing fruits and vegetables, coupled with nutrition support. When presented with the definition of what they entail, survey respondents (84%) resoundingly supported the efforts. Some of the key findings include: More than 4 in 5 Americans believe U.S. healthcare should offer more food and nutrition programs to treat and manage illnesses. Nearly 9 in 10 patients would prefer to rely more on healthy eating than on medications to manage their conditions. Nearly 4 in 5 Americans think that Food is Medicine programs should be covered by both public and private insurance, including 85% of self-identified Democrats and 78% of Republicans. 84% of respondents believed FIM could help improve the overall quality of health in the United States. 79% of respondents said FIM programs could help them personally. 49% of the American public and 67% of healthcare workers view high costs of nutritious food as the single largest barrier to eating well. "We are seeing a growing awareness of diet-related diseases and their consequences in the U.S.," said Devon Klatell, Vice President for the Food Initiative at The Rockefeller Foundation. "This polling data shows that Americans want more support to eat well and live well. Food is Medicine programs are one tool that health care practitioners and providers must be considering as they work to address chronic disease in America." The Rockefeller Foundation commissioned Hattaway Communications to conduct the survey, which polled respondents across all 50 states between February 28 and March 11, 2025. The survey sampled 2,271 respondents, including 1,135 patients and 399 healthcare workers. The sample was weighted by gender and education to align with the actual proportions within the population and is representative of racial demographics across the U.S. Since 2019, The Rockefeller Foundation has supported Food is Medicine programs and invested in research to improve their effectiveness and understand the benefits and costs. As part of this effort, The Foundation announced its $100 million investment to expand access to Food is Medicine, including supporting vital research like the American Heart Association's Health Care by Food Initiative. The Foundation also initiated partnerships with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to speed the integration of Food Is Medicine into health systems. In February 2025, The Rockefeller Foundation announced $3.5 million in grant funding to support small and mid-scale U.S. farmers, improve health outcomes for people with chronic disease, mitigate rising health care costs in California, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., and advance state-based efforts to include FIM interventions as a medically covered benefit under Medicaid programs. About The Rockefeller FoundationThe Rockefeller Foundation is a pioneering philanthropy built on collaborative partnerships at the frontiers of science, technology, and innovation that enable individuals, families, and communities to flourish. We make big bets to promote the wellbeing of humanity. Today, we are focused on advancing human opportunity and reversing the climate crisis by transforming systems in food, health, energy, and finance. For more information, sign up for our newsletter at and follow us on X @RockefellerFdn and LinkedIn @the-rockefeller-foundation. Media Contact:Ashley Chang, The Rockefeller Foundation: media@ View original content: SOURCE The Rockefeller Foundation Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rockefeller Foundation Announces First Class of Big Bets Fellows Focused on Asia-Pacific
12 changemakers driving bold, community-led solutions across 26 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including Aitutaki, Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, Vanuatu, and Viet Nam. BANGKOK, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Rockefeller Foundation announced a new class of Big Bets Fellows – the first focused on the Asia-Pacific region – bringing together 12 visionary leaders who are pioneering scalable, locally rooted solutions to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time, from water scarcity to sustainable agriculture, marine conservation, disaster risk reduction, digital innovation and more. Over the four-month fellowship, these Asia-Pacific Big Bets Fellows will participate in intensive programming, peer learning, and global networking designed to amplify their potential impact and help translate their bold ideas into lasting systems change. Their immediate efforts encompass 26 countries in the region, including India, Indonesia, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Nepal, the Pacific Islands, Thailand, and Viet Nam. "Our 12 Asia-Pacific Big Bets Fellows are working toward bold, transformative change in a region that will shape all of our futures," said Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation. "These ambitious, creative young leaders are precisely the types of changemakers The Rockefeller Foundation has always proudly supported. We're thrilled to be working with them as they advance economic opportunity in their communities, build sustainable ecosystems, and so much more." This Asia-Pacific cohort follows the successful launches of previous Big Bets Fellowships in Latin America and the Caribbean (2024) and the United States (2025), and reflects The Rockefeller Foundation's commitment to supporting locally-led innovation to tackle global challenges. "Our Asia-Pacific Big Bets Fellows are lighting the path to the future with bold ideas rooted in deep commitment to their communities," said Deepali Khanna, Head of Asia at The Rockefeller Foundation. "Whether on remote islands or in rapidly growing cities, these leaders are blending their experience and expertise with modern innovation to create a more resilient and hopeful future. We are proud to walk alongside them as they take on the region's toughest challenges with determination and heart." The 2025 Asia-Pacific Fellows are implementing a wide range of ambitious initiatives: Aafreen Siddiqui, Our Common Air: Catalyze collective action through stronger commitments, smarter investments, and streamlined accountability to combat air pollution across Asia-Pacific for better public health and economic growth. Alexia Hilbertidou, GirlBoss New Zealand: Empower a growing community of more than 17,000 young women across the Pacific to solve local problems at scale, teaching them practical skills in science, technology, and sustainability. Anusha Meher Bhargava, Tech4Good Community: Safeguard natural habitats and support biodiversity by harnessing the latest open-source technology and creating a new digital platform for conservationists, researchers, and policymakers to share data, monitor ecosystems, and improve environmental outcomes. Bobuchi Ken-Opurum, Barefoot Story x Re-HOUSED: Equip low-income individuals who build their own homes in India with the tools, data, and know-how to improve safety, comfort, and resilience to heat stress. Eshrat Waris, British Asian Trust: Support smallholder farmers as they transition to sustainable agriculture practices, which de-risks this traditionally high-cost period, enables greater credit flow in these communities, and supports smallholder networks in communities. Gaurav Godhwani, CivicDataLab: Unlock data collaborations and AI innovations to protect the most vulnerable regions in the Asia-Pacific. Mustika Wijaya, Solar Chapter: Expand the use of innovative solar-powered water pumping systems to reduce food insecurity, address water scarcity, and improve livelihoods in Indonesia. Ristika Putri Istanti, Lingkar Temu Kabupaten Lestari: Boost economic opportunity while conserving natural landscapes and resources in regional areas in Indonesia. Supatchaya Techachoochert, Mae Fah Luang Foundation: Generate economic opportunities and strengthen communities in Thailand by disincentivizing the deforestation that accompanies the production of monoculture crops. Uttam Pudasaini, NAXA: Leverage the latest technology, including artificial intelligence and geospatial analytics, to enhance anticipatory action by focusing on household-level risk assessments, delivering targeted and inclusive early warnings for climate-induced hazards, ultimately protecting lives and livelihoods, starting in Bangladesh and Nepal, and expanding to climate-vulnerable countries in the Asia-Pacific. Yasser Naqvi, CSEP: Foreground evidence and build capacity to raise awareness among policy stakeholders on environmental issues in India. Yumi Son, BOBLME II: Restore marine habitats and coastal ecosystems, reduce overfishing and illegal fishing, strengthen governance, ensure broad community participation, and support sustainable, long-term livelihoods in the Asia-Pacific. These leaders were selected from a diverse pool of changemakers nominated through the Big Bets community and external networks. Their work spans technology, finance, governance, and environmental initiatives, which will directly impact millions of underserved communities across the Asia-Pacific. Elizabeth Yee, Executive Vice President of Programs at The Rockefeller Foundation, who formally announced the Fellows during the Big Bets Live 2025 event in New York, said, "I am thrilled to congratulate this class of Fellows and can't wait to see what more they'll accomplish. We're proud to support their big bets that will define humanity's future." The occasion marked the Foundation's 112th anniversary, celebrating the power of bold, collaborative action and honoring the changemakers and partners turning ambitious ideas into breakthrough solutions. Since its founding in 1913, The Rockefeller Foundation has supported transformative initiatives in public health, food security, and equitable economic opportunity around the world. The Big Bets Fellowship is a cornerstone of this legacy, investing in leaders who bet big on a better future, and back it up with bold, data-driven action. About The Rockefeller FoundationThe Rockefeller Foundation is a pioneering philanthropy built on collaborative partnerships at the frontiers of science, technology, and innovation that enable individuals, families, and communities to flourish. We make big bets to promote the well-being of humanity. Today, we are focused on advancing human opportunity and reversing the climate crisis by transforming systems in food, health, energy, and finance. For more information, sign up for our newsletter at and follow us on X @RockefellerFdn and LinkedIn @the-rockefeller-foundation. View original content: SOURCE The Rockefeller Foundation Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Los Angeles Times
16-04-2025
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
LACI Advances City Climate Innovation Challenge for Zero Emissions Delivery with Rockefeller Foundation Grant
$500,000 funding supports technology, business model, and policy pilot projects to reduce congestion and pollution, while strengthening the American economy and entrepreneurship The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) recently announced that it has received a $500,000 grant from The Rockefeller Foundation to support LACI's City Climate Innovation Challenge for Zero-Emissions Delivery (ZED Challenge). This first-of-its-kind initiative is helping cities pilot new innovations, develop partnerships to scale them, and create good-paying jobs - all while strengthening the American economy and entrepreneurship. Louisville, KY; Miami-Dade County, FL; New York City, NY; Oakland, CA; Portland, OR; and Washington, D.C., join anchor partner cities of Los Angeles, Pittsburgh and Santa Monica, where local governments' combined metropolitan populations represent 55 million people – one in every six Americans – creating a bold market signal for zero-emissions delivery. 'Thanks to The Rockefeller Foundation, LACI will help U.S. cities reduce emissions and grow the local economy by tapping into the best of American climate entrepreneurship and innovation for advancing zero-emissions goods movement,' said Matt Petersen, president and CEO of LACI. 'The Rockefeller Foundation's support could not come at a more important time to help cities and entrepreneurs continue to innovate and lead.' The inaugural Challenge, formally launched in January 2024, focuses on reducing congestion and pollution from the exploding e-commerce and goods movement sectors. These cities have some of the most congested roadways in the world – New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Washington D.C. all rank in the top 10 U.S. cities with the worst traffic. This congestion increases vehicle emissions, negatively impacting public health, particularly among frontline communities. City-scale action across the building, transport and waste sectors can contribute 3.7 gigatons (Gt) of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions by 2030, according to a 2019 study by LACI, C40 and PwC. Through disruptive innovation and new technologies, LACI can target an additional 1.3 Gt of GHG reductions. 'LACI has a proven track record of empowering local governments and nearly 500 startups to bring decarbonization technologies – and more than 2,500 jobs – to communities across the United States,' said Maria Kozloski, senior vice president at the Rockefeller Foundation. 'We are proud to support the City Climate Innovation Challenge, which is sparking opportunities that will help cities reduce emissions and create new jobs, thereby benefiting millions of Americans.' The City Climate Innovation Challenge aims to help cities better invite and scale solutions needed to accelerate equitable climate action. Building on its unique model for piloting and scaling solutions with cities, LACI launched the inaugural ZED Challenge in 2024 in partnership with Climate Mayors and C40. 'For the health of New Yorkers, and especially our youngest, we must put major polluters in the driver's seat to clean the air and reduce asthma rates in neighborhoods. And it must be done in a way that works for industry and community,' said New York City's Deputy Mayor for Operations, Meera Joshi. 'To walk such a fine line requires deep expertise and funding, and for that, we've been grateful to rely on the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator and the ZED challenge. We are grateful for this partnership.' 'Climate work done right is no different from intelligent and responsible economic development. Oakland aims to be a global climate business hub by 2035 - a goal that centers sustainable local wealth generation,' said City of Oakland Climate Program Manager Shayna Hirshfield-Gold. 'Our partnership with LACI, with support from The Rockefeller Foundation, is helping us to deploy and expand on-the-ground infrastructure that will support blue-collar jobs and boost local delivery businesses, all while reducing air pollution in Oakland communities.' Information sourced from LACI and the Rockefeller Foundation. To learn more, contact cameron@ or media@
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rockefeller Foundation and Plan International Launch Emergency Response to Support Earthquake-Affected Children in Myanmar
$200,000 Grant to provide emergency relief and recovery for children impacted by the recent earthquake in in the hardest-hit regions of Mandalay and Sagaing BANGKOK, April 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Rockefeller Foundation announced a $200,000 emergency grant to Plan International Myanmar to provide critical relief to children and families affected by the catastrophic 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025. The disaster, which is the country's most severe in over a century, has left thousands homeless, with children facing heightened risks of malnutrition, trauma, and disrupted education. In response, The Rockefeller Foundation support for Plan's Resilient Children of Mandalay initiative will deliver immediate lifesaving support including safe spaces, meals, and psychosocial care, while laying the foundation for long-term recovery in the hardest-hit regions of Mandalay and Sagaing. "Natural disasters widen existing inequalities, and it's often children, especially girls, who have to endure the greatest risks. In moments of crisis, aiding those children means ensuring they have the support, security, and hope they deserve," said Deepali Khanna, Head of Asia at The Rockefeller Foundation. "This collaboration with Plan International is a crucial step in caring for the most vulnerable people affected today while paving the way for future stability." The project will first establish six child-friendly spaces offering nutritious meals, mental health support, and emergency education for displaced children, with a focus on girls and young women. Over the following months, the initiative will rehabilitate schools, train teachers in trauma-informed care, and distribute learning kits, ensuring a pathway back to normalcy. "After such a traumatic event, it is crucial that children's emotional well-being and sense of normalcy is restored," says Haider Yaqub, Country Director of Plan International Myanmar. "This vital support from The Rockefeller Foundation will provide children and especially girls who have been impacted by the quake, with safe spaces for playing and learning as their schools are being rebuilt and their learning journeys continue." Plan's response is concentrating on supporting the most vulnerable communities, suffering from the shock of losing loved ones, their homes, and livelihoods. Plan International Myanmar has its emergency teams on the ground supporting affected communities in Mandalay and Sagaing, working with local partners and communities themselves to provide life-saving assistance and help rebuild lives. About Plan InternationalPlan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children's rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child but know this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it is girls who are most affected. Working together with children, young people, supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges girls and vulnerable children face. We support children's rights from birth until they reach adulthood and we enable children to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge. For over 85 years, we have rallied other determined optimists to transform the lives of all children in more than 80 countries. We won't stop until we are all equal. About The Rockefeller FoundationThe Rockefeller Foundation is a pioneering philanthropy built on collaborative partnerships at the frontiers of science, technology, and innovation that enable individuals, families, and communities to flourish. We make big bets to promote the well-being of humanity. Today, we are focused on advancing human opportunity and reversing the climate crisis by transforming systems in food, health, energy, and finance. For more information, sign up for our newsletter at and follow us on X @RockefellerFdn and LinkedIn @the-rockefeller-foundation. View original content: SOURCE The Rockefeller Foundation Sign in to access your portfolio
