Climate & Displacement

We recognise the climate and nature crisis as a profound threat to both present and future generations. Its social and economic impacts are wide-ranging—affecting health, food and water security, housing, employment, and so much more. Crucially, it exacerbates existing inequalities, disproportionately affecting those who have contributed least to the problem and are most vulnerable to its consequences.

Through our climate grants, we aim to influence and support the UK’s efforts and leadership in climate mitigation. We prioritise organisations that leverage legal, policy, and financial tools to reduce emissions and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. Our multi-year funding supports a range of actors including think tanks, legislators, litigators, campaigners, researchers, and educators.

While the Pickwell Foundation has distinct programmes focused on climate and displacement, we realise that these are increasingly interrelated. Climate change is contributing to complex patterns of human adaptation, movement and displacement. It is becoming a more significant driver of human movement, acting as a ‘threat multiplier’ alongside other drivers such as political instability and conflict. Together with a number of other UK trusts and foundations, we are committed to deepening our understanding of—and response to—the intersections between climate change, migration, and social justice.