About CFA
We equip stakeholders and decision-makers to leverage the transformative power of publicly held capital for a just and ethical transition to an inclusive economy that benefits people and the planet.
Climate Finance Action (CFA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
We invest in community-based planning that brings organizations together to advance policies and strategies for durable, high-impact climate finance solutions within public pension funds and other public investments.
As a trusted bridge between finance, public administration, and union stakeholders, we build the people-power capacity needed to address climate risk and unlock the opportunities of a green economy. We demystify the financial system, create meaningful opportunities for stakeholders to have a voice, and provide the tools and support to pursue the most effective policy levers for change.
Our vision is a thriving planet and an inclusive economy where every financial decision considers the reality of climate change.
With nearly $6 trillion in worker retirement investments, union members and trustees have enormous power to drive climate-resilient, responsible investments through their pension funds. At CFA, we work directly with public employees, unions, and trustees to unlock this power and ensure that pension funds serve their true purpose: providing workers with a secure, dignified retirement while supporting a more inclusive economy.
Our work is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves a voice in shaping the financial systems that influence our planet and future. Public employees like teachers, firefighters, and healthcare workers have fought hard to protect their pensions. Now, they can use these same funds to push for climate solutions and long-term economic resilience.
Through coalition building and strategic engagement with financial leaders, CFA helps trustees and workers connect fiduciary duty to the urgent reality of climate risk.
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“Working with Climate Finance Action has been extremely helpful in translating our climate risk management goals into practical opportunities for policy improvements and actionable steps for the Minnesota State Board of Investment. Their policy resources are helping us make meaningful progress.”
Julie Blaha, MN Auditor
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“Without (Climate Finance Action’s) early and consistent engagement, we could not have presented such a compelling story to legislators and advocates in support of the passing of the Climate Resilience Investment Act in Oregon. We’re excited to begin implementing this critical piece of legislation.”
Elizabeth Steiner, OR Treasurer
Resources for Action
Across the country, public workers and trustees are already using their pension funds as tools for systemic change—shaping policies that align with climate responsibility and fiduciary duty. CFA supports these efforts by creating resources that make it easier to take action. From practical checklists and testimony guides to explainers that break down complex financial terms, our tools are designed for union members, trustees, and community allies to stay informed, speak up, and lead change.
Preparing testimony at a pension fund meeting, organizing colleagues, or learning how climate risk affects retirement and economic security? Our resources will deepen your impact.
Our Impact
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40 state treasurers and pension staff working toward policy improvements with our guidance.
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50+ connections made between pension decision-makers and advocates to advance policy progress.
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8,000+ public pension stakeholders receiving climate risk education to engage their boards.
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100+ educational events and tools equipping pension stakeholders to push for bolder climate solutions.
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110 pension state leaders publicly speaking out about the urgent need to tackle climate risk.
Our Values
Justice-Centered Climate Action. We center racial and economic justice in climate finance, recognizing that those most impacted by climate change hold essential knowledge about their communities and priorities.
Workers and the Unions that Represent Them. Public pension fund stakeholders—workers and their unions—are essential voices in shaping fund policies. We value, amplify, and engage their first-hand knowledge.
Meaningful Collaboration. Trust and intentional collaboration are key. We equip stakeholders with the knowledge and resources to act as empowered agents of change.
Holistic Systemic Change. We approach climate finance strategically, addressing systemic issues rather than piecemeal solutions, and work as part of a broader ecosystem to create lasting impact.
Want to learn more about how we work and how you can get involved?
2024 Impact Report
We’ve been honored to work alongside a groundswell of investors—including pension boards, state treasurers, private companies, unions, and community stakeholders—committed to weighing the real financial risks of climate change.
It’s been rewarding to see public officials, pension trustees, and other leaders take bold steps: managing climate risks to long-term investments, leveraging shareholder power to influence major companies, and pressing asset managers to follow through on their climate commitments.
Download our impact report: