In 2021, the Cisco Foundation committed $100 million over a decade to fight climate change, supporting startups and nonprofits tackling the issue. With extreme weather events on the rise, the importance of these efforts is growing. We spoke with Maria of Wysocki, Cisco’s chief sustainability officer, to learn more about their climate innovation.
Maria highlighted Cisco’s commitment to promoting an inclusive future that cannot exist without a healthy planet. The urgency of climate change, underscored by record temperatures in 2023, drives their engagement. Only 2% of philanthropic funds address climate change, requiring more investment in early-stage solutions supported by the Cisco Foundation.
When evaluating nonprofits and startups, the Foundation looks for intersectionality, focusing on underserved communities disproportionately affected by climate change. Supporting both for-profit companies and nonprofits helps create sustainable economic models for these communities, addressing basic needs, human capital, and digital access.
Maria highlighted success stories like Vesta, which enhances ocean carbon sequestration, and Pavilion, offering alternatives to wood pulp. Cisco’s investment in Kara Solar helps indigenous communities compete in sustainable economies, reducing deforestation in the Amazon.
Regeneration is a key focus for Cisco, shifting from sustainability to actively restoring social and environmental systems. Maria emphasized the need for public-private partnerships, imagination, and investment to overcome climate challenges.
While optimistic, Maria stressed the need for collaborative, evidence-based action to mitigate the worst effects of climate change and build inclusive communities for the future. Cisco’s commitment to climate innovation aims to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
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https://newsroom.cisco.com/c/r/newsroom/en/us/a/y2024/m03/the-state-of-the-pledge-cisco-100-million-climate-change-commitment.html