Volts Climate philanthropy in a time of Trump
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Aug 27, 2025 Dan Stein, founder of Giving Green and chief economist at ID Insight, delves into the intersection of climate philanthropy and effective altruism. He discusses the challenges of measuring impactful change against a backdrop of fossil fuel dominance. The conversation navigates the balance between technocratic solutions and grassroots activism, reflecting on political barriers and the pressing need for informed, strategic donations. Stein emphasizes the importance of local partnerships and the urgent call for progressive collaboration to combat rising authoritarianism in climate advocacy.
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Shift Funding When Federal Politics Change
- After Trump's election, Giving Green shifted toward international work and state/local opportunities.
- They view climate as a global problem and seek higher leverage where US federal progress stalls.
Target Bipartisan, Durable Federal Levers
- Continue U.S. federal engagement by targeting bipartisan, defensible areas like clean firm power and innovation.
- Fund efforts that reduce deployment barriers and support long-standing innovation programs like ARPA-E and the LPO.
Balance State Work With Federal Impact
- Support state and local groups where feasible, but recognize resource limits in covering all 50 states.
- Prioritize federal work when it creates global technology and market effects not replicable at state level.