Just Climate, a climate-focused business created by Generation Investment Management, has secured $375m (€325m) to date for its natural climate solutions strategy.
The Natural Climate Solutions strategy has been backed by pension funds, asset managers and global financial institutions, including Achmea Investment Management, the Environment Agency Pension Fund and Royal Bank of Canada.
Earlier this year, IPE Real Assets reported that California State Teachers’ Retirement System and Microsoft’s Climate Innovation Fund had backed the strategy as anchor investors when it had initially raised $175m.
Just Climate said the global strategy focuses on scaling products and services that transform land use and is supported by a team experienced in growth equity, science, policy, impact measurement and business operations.
Just Climate has already invested in AgroStar, an Indian agritech platform aimed at helping smallholder farmers improve their income and livelihoods through climate-resilient practices and products.
Natural Climate Solutions made its initial investment in January this year by leading a series-B funding round for NatureMetrics, a company specialising in environmental DNA-based biodiversity monitoring. The strategy also invested in agricultural biosolutions firm GreenLight Biosciences.
Becky LeAnstey, investment manager at Environment Agency Pension Fund, said: “Climate and nature are inextricably linked. We are excited to partner with Just Climate, who not only recognise this but understand the investment opportunities that arise when you protect and enhance nature.”
Ralph Engelchor, portfolio manager impact investing at Achmea Investment Management, said: “Investing in natural capital is essential to addressing the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.
“Through this partnership, we seek to accelerate the transition to a nature-positive economy by supporting scalable, high-integrity projects that deliver measurable environmental impact alongside long-term financial value for our clients.”
Clara Barby, senior partner of Just Climate, said: “We are proud to welcome a diverse group of partners who share our conviction that investing in the land transition is essential to building a sustainable economy. Together, we can scale solutions that deliver measurable impact for climate, biodiversity and people.
“With initiatives like our investment in AgroStar, we are demonstrating how nature-based solutions can drive climate-resilient growth in India and other emerging markets.”
Shardul Sheth, CEO and co-founder of AgroStar, said: “With the Just Climate investment, we will accelerate our mission to empower smallholder farmers across the country with sustainable inputs and advisory services that increase their incomes.
“Together, we’re not just scaling a business — we’re pioneering a model that proves sustainable agriculture can be the foundation of rural prosperity and climate resilience across the world.”
To read the latest IPE Real Assets magazine click here.
