Droughts, heat waves, extreme weather events, melting glaciers and rising sea levels … Climate change is also a major driver of biodiversity erosion, threatening the natural development of all our planet’s ecosystems. Therefore, they are undeniably two of the greatest environmental challenges of our times.
That is why the BNP Paribas Foundation has been funding research on climate and biodiversity since 2010 by supporting research teams worldwide through its international philanthropy program, the Climate & Biodiversity Initiative.
With a total budget of €6 million over 3 years to finance and put forward between 5 and 9 projects, the program involves a call for projects (taking place every 3 years) and a rigorous selection process conducted by leading figures in their fields of research.
over 3 years to finance and put forward between 5 and 9 projects
dedicated to environmental research on climate and biodiversity
In 2022, a new call for projects launches in Europe in order to select research projects that better our understanding of climate and biodiversity interactions and their impact on society.
Apply for the call for projects
Discover the laureates from the previous call for projects studying past climates on all continents, ocean acidification, permafrost thaw or various subjects such as the consequences of glacier extinction for biodiversity and people at a global scale, the vulnerability and resilience of coastal biodiversity to the increased frequency and intensity of hurricanes and droughts, reforestation of disturbed ecosystems, etc.
Increasing knowledge about interactions between climate and biodiversity, about climate system dysfunction and evaluating the consequences on our environment and societies, allow all the players to change their behaviour.
To reach that goal, the BNP Paribas Foundation accompanies international research teams studying past climates, ocean acidification or permafrost thaw.
The BNP Paribas Foundation also takes its role raising awareness of climate change and biodiversity issues seriously. That is why we carry out various awareness-raising activities – such as lectures, exhibitions and other public events the BNP Paribas Foundation organises – for our stakeholders: our BNP Paribas employees and clients, our partners, the media, and the civil society.
By providing the scientific community and the public with an opportunity to meet each other, it participates in leading a community of citizens – including youth – who are increasingly responsible and ready to act, making well-informed choices with help from scientists.
SCIENTISTS MUST HELP CITIZENS TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS.
"These research projects aren’t just an intellectual exercise,” says Philippe Gillet, member of the Scientific committee of the Climate & Biodiversity Initiative’s scientific committee. “They’re also a responsible approach. The projects selected must meet citizens’ expectations. They must also open the door to solutions and political decisions."
