Effective Altruism Australia’s Environment Fund

SYDNEY, Australia — June 5, 2023 — Effective Altruism Australia (EAA) is excited to announce the launch of a new initiative: Effective Altruism Australia’s Environment Fund. This groundbreaking charity seeks to maximise the impact of every dollar donated, sparking systemic, high-leverage changes rather than relying solely on individual actions.

“Many of us feel that tackling climate change is about switching off lights or driving less. While these actions matter, we need to understand that climate change requires more than individual efforts—it calls for systemic change,” says Dr Michael Noetel, Chair and Director of EAA.

According to a Founders Pledge report, a donation of $1000 to the world’s most effective climate charities yields more environmental impact than all of the following combined:

• buying an electric car,
• avoiding 10 international flights,
• eating plant-based food only, and
• retrofitting your house with green heating and LED lights.

This observation led to the inception of the EAA Environment Fund, which focuses on high-leverage, evidence-based, and neglected areas within the climate change space. The Environment Fund’s approach seeks to “find the biggest levers—like new technologies or major governments—and ensure our top charities can get much more bang for your buck,” Dr Noetel explains.

The EAA Environment Fund consults with evaluation parters Giving Green and Founders Pledge, who conduct robust research into what works. The fund then partners with those charities so Australian donors can support the most effective program.

For the launch of the fund, EAA has partnered with three such charities: the Clean Air Task Force, the Evergreen Collaborative, and Carbon180. These organisations drive change through technological advancement, advocacy, and innovative policy solutions.

Dr Noetel emphasises the dynamic nature of the Fund: “Every quarter, we consult with our evaluation partners to see where your donation could go the furthest. We then provide grants to those charities, so your dollar goes as far as it can.”

The launch of the EAA Environment Fund represents a challenge to Australians to reevaluate their approach to climate change, taking collective action to not only achieve net zero emissions but to actively reverse the trend.

“Together, we can get to net zero and beyond. I hope you’ll join us in taking the next steps,” Dr Noetel encourages.

For more information, visit www.effectivealtruism.org.au/environment

About Effective Altruism Australia

Effective Altruism Australia (EAA) is an Australian charity dedicated to improving the way we help others. By using evidence and reason to determine the most effective ways to do good, EAA directs funds to the most impactful causes and organisations in the world.

Media Contact

Dr Michael Noetel
michael.noetel@eaa.org.au
+61 414 822 353