Moving from Acknowledgment to Accountability: A Note from the Executive Director
As we enter 2026, the conversation around climate finance has fundamentally shifted. We are no longer debating whether climate risk is financial risk—the markets have settled that. The question now is how fast and how equitably we can move the trillions of dollars currently held in public trust.
Last year was a turning point for Climate Finance Action. We saw record engagement from state financial officers and union leaders who recognize that their retirement security is inextricably linked to a stable climate. But as we look at the year ahead, the stakes have never been higher.
Our Vision for 2026
In 2026, CFA’s work will be defined by three strategic pillars:
1. Institutionalizing Fiduciary Duty for a New Era
The "systemic risk" of climate change is now showing up in real-time—from insurance market volatility to infrastructure strain. This year, we are doubling down on our work with State Treasurers and Pension Boards to integrate climate-competent governance. We aren’t just looking for "green" investments; we are advocating for investment policies that protect the entire economy from the destabilizing effects of a warming world.
2. Power to the Beneficiaries
Public capital belongs to the people—the teachers, firefighters, and public servants who spend decades building their futures. In 2026, we are expanding our educational workshops and toolkits to ensure that beneficiaries aren't just spectators in Wall Street boardrooms. We are equipping them to ask the hard questions: Is my capital being used to build a world I can actually retire into?
3. Scaling the Just Transition
The transition to a low-carbon economy must be a "Just Transition." For CFA, this means ensuring that as we call for credible energy transition plans and accountable investment managers, we are simultaneously advocating for investments that create high-quality, union jobs and support the communities most impacted by the energy shift.
The Road Ahead
When I founded Climate Finance Action in 2020, our goal was to bridge the gap between climate activism and the complex machinery of the financial sector. Six years later, that bridge is stronger than ever.
However, the "finance gap" remains a chasm. While billions are flowing into climate solutions, trillions are still propping up the status quo. 2026 must be the year we move from pilot projects to systemic shifts.
We are a small, nimble team with a massive mission. Whether you are a trustee navigating complex proxy votes, a worker seeking a voice in your fund’s governance, or a donor committed to systemic change, thank you for standing with us.
The capital is there. The technology is there. Now, we must ensure the will is there to use it for the public good.
