From 1 February 2025, the Climate Governance Initiative is embarking on a new stage in its development. To support its continued growth, the Initiative’s team is moving from its current host, Hughes Hall (University of Cambridge), to a new home, an independent charity, Chapter Zero Alliance.
This transition reflects the expansion of the Climate Governance Initiative since its inception in 2019. With a global footprint spanning 73 countries – representing over one-third of global carbon emissions – supported by a growing operation, funding, and team. Chapter Zero Alliance will provide an effective platform to enable the Climate Governance Initiative’s support to its growing network of Chapters.
“This transition is an important step in ensuring that the Climate Governance Initiative effectively empowers climate action in boardrooms across the globe,” said Emily Farnworth, Executive Director of the Climate Governance Initiative and CEO of Chapter Zero Alliance. “As part of an independent charity, we can continue to scale our impact and serve the needs of our diverse global membership at a time when boardroom leadership is more critical than ever.
“Over the past five years, we have embarked on an incredible journey, building a growing team, and I am deeply grateful for the support of Hughes Hall along the way.”
Chapter Zero Alliance will also act as home for Chapter Zero, the UK Chapter of the Climate Governance Initiative, which is also moving from Hughes Hall. Although both organisations will now operate under the same charity, they will remain separate and distinct in their management and activities.
Julie Baddeley, who has been involved with the Climate Governance Initiative and Chapter Zero since their inception, has been appointed Chair of Chapter Zero Alliance Board of Trustees. She said, “As Chair of the newly-formed Chapter Zero Alliance, which is dedicated to boardroom action on climate and nature, I look forward to even greater opportunities to enhance the climate governance knowledge and skills of board directors across the globe. My thanks to everyone who has helped us on the journey to this point, and everyone who will be involved in the next phase of our ambitious plans.”
The Climate Governance Initiative will maintain strong relationships with Hughes Hall, its founding academic partner, and with the College’s Centre for Climate Engagement, which it will continue to work closely with as a knowledge partner.
Chapter Zero Alliance marks a new era for the Climate Governance Initiative. By leveraging its independence and increasing operational capabilities, the Initiative will continue to empower business leaders worldwide to accelerate climate action and build a more financially, environmentally and socially sustainable future.
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Daniel Aspel | Senior Communications Manager (Maternity Cover) | Climate Governance Initiative