A paradigm shift in global environmental Governance
Our theory of change addresses the critical gap between planetary science and local climate action through a transformative "middle-out" approach. While current fragmented systems create broken links between global climate knowledge and implementation, our Planetary-Aligned Systems Approach establishes a dynamic transformation engine that translates Earth system boundaries into actionable pathways for cities and corporations—the actors with the greatest potential to drive rapid decarbonization.
Our Vision
By 2050, we envision cities and corporations transformed from net resource consumers to planetary stewards—operating as primary agents of Earth system restoration while nation-states shift from leading climate action to enabling and amplifying non-state actor leadership. Urban centers will function as biodiversity corridors and biogeochemical restoration hubs, while corporate value chains actively regenerate natural capital across all nine planetary boundaries. The Foundation for Planetary Action will serve as the implementation catalyst translating planetary science into coordinated action by providing these powerful non-state actors with the tools, funding mechanisms, and tailored solutions necessary for measurable Earth system healing—delivering 5+ GtCO₂e annual emissions reductions alongside demonstrable progress toward safe operating spaces across major planetary boundaries within ten years.
Transforming Corporations and Cities into Earth System Stewards
18-21
GtCO₂e annual reduction potential through coordinated city-corporate action.
The Transformative Potential
≈70%
of global emissions concentrated in urban areas driving corporate value chains
6/9
Planetary boundaries already transgressed, with tipping points approaching & limited action from nation states
$4.3T
Annual investment needed for urban climate action, currently receiving only 1%*
*The State of Cities Climate Finance 2024
The Implementation Crisis
Despite growing commitments, critical gaps - both scientific and implementation prevent cities and corporations from achieving their regenerative potential
Lack of Industry-Specific Blueprints
More than 85% corporations withdrew their commitment citing Scope 3 accounting and implementation challenges
Urban Financing & Implementation Barriers
Fragmented Approaches
Operating in single-boundary silos, failing to capture systemic interdependencies where urban demand drives corporate value chains across multiple planetary systems simultaneously.
Lack of tools to quantify comprehensive returns on investment beyond traditional economic metrics and reliance on traditional approaches
Our 'Middle-Out' Approach
Positioning planetary science as the foundation while leveraging cities and corporations as primary implementation agents
Industry-Specific Net-zero Blueprints
Translating abstract sectoral pathways into actionable, industry-specific decarbonization strategies that reflect operational realities and ensure integrity.
AI-powered digital twins that model both urban systems and corporate value chains, revealing how corporate sustainability investments can systematically support urban net-zero agenda
Unlocking new avenues for both cities and corporations along their sustainability journey through comprehensive ROI frameworks that quantify the full spectrum of benefits
