By Luisa Lima, Communications and Knowledge Manager at IDIS, and Marcelo Modesto, ESG Manager at IDIS
Belém was both the setting and the message. Hosting the COP in the Amazon made the urgency of protecting forests, rivers, and territories tangible, while promoting the transition of the energy matrix and advancing the bioeconomy with social justice. There were countless lessons, examples, connections, demands that made themselves heard, and data that guide action.
Each Climate Conference is certainly a milestone, producing directions and resolutions. However, change only happens through concrete actions carried out between each cycle. In a year that begins with oil at the center of geopolitical movements, it is necessary to reaffirm the commitment to the climate, to the environment, and to our very condition for existence. And it is essential to act. Philanthropists and Social Investors: those of you who were in Belém and wrote long LinkedIn posts—have you included actions addressing our climate challenges in your plans? Have you considered how you will respond to emergencies, support communities so they become more resilient, and invest in adaptation?
IDIS works to strengthen strategic philanthropy and the culture of giving in Brazil. Although environment and climate are not our primary thematic focus, they are increasingly cross-cutting issues, especially in responses to emergencies, many of them resulting from extreme climate events.
During COP30, we formed a plural and supranational coalition — IDIS, Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), GIFE, Latimpacto, RD Saúde, SITAWI Finanças do Bem, and WINGS (Worldwide Initiatives for Grantmaking Support), with the collaboration of Catalyst 2030, Comunitas, and Rede Comuá — and promoted Philanthropy Day, bringing together the voices of communities, practical examples of ongoing initiatives, and reflections on how we can accelerate transformations.
Four lessons for Philanthropists and Social Investors
First, philanthropy has a catalytic role. Climate solutions require resources in the trillions, with governments and the private sector playing leading roles. Philanthropy, even though it contributes a smaller share of funding, is decisive because it can test models, take risks, respond quickly, and demonstrate pathways that can later be scaled by other actors. The sense of urgency must move us forward, and boldness is required.
In addition, philanthropy can reinforce the centrality of territories and climate justice. Solutions developed with communities—not only “for” them—were a consensus during the COP. This implies distributing power, treating “beneficiaries” as partners and co-creators, supporting local leaders, community foundations, and institutes, and strengthening capacities for disaster prevention and response.
Moving forward, Brazilian philanthropy has a long track record of collaborative and network-based action. This collective approach multiplies reach and influence. Platforms and alliances among social investors, civil society organizations, academia, and the private sector can accelerate learning, coordinate investments, and enable the systemic changes the world needs.
Finally, philanthropy can play a decisive role in advocacy. Organizations and social investors can use their influence to strengthen public debate, highlight evidence, and advance policies that unlock solutions in areas such as energy, adaptation, and bioeconomy. This includes monitoring agendas, proposing regulatory frameworks, and giving visibility to successful experiences.
If COP30 has placed a spotlight on the Amazon, it is up to philanthropy to keep the light on between one conference and the next. Our role is to create the conditions for solutions to emerge, mature, and scale—with boldness, partnership, and public commitment. This is how we can respond to the major climate challenges of our time.
