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One Earth Launches "Minding the Gaps"

On September 24, 2025, One Earth, a global network dedicated to effective climate action, released a significant report titled "Minding the Gaps." This comprehensive study aims to shed light on the critical imbalances found in climate finance, presenting detailed insights into U.S. funding directed toward climate solutions.

Developed alongside Vibrant Data Labs, "Minding the Gaps" utilizes the new One Earth Solutions Finance Tracker. This innovative tool provides a clear map of how private capital is allocated across various climate initiatives, specifically focusing on three main pillars: Energy Transition, Nature Conservation, and Regenerative Agriculture. These areas are essential for limiting global warming and nurturing a sustainable future.

The analysis revealed concerning trends in funding. A staggering 89% of the financial resources tracked are funneled into energy projects, while a meager 4% is dedicated to nature conservation efforts. This stark contrast raises questions about the adequacy of funding needed to stabilize the climate and preserve biodiversity—both identified as crucial in One Earth's Global Safety Net.

The report further highlights alarming statistics regarding philanthropic contributions, where Indigenous-led land tenure initiatives receive less than 6% of available funding, despite their proven effectiveness in ecosystem protection. Additionally, only 7% of total climate financing is allocated towards regenerative agriculture, illustrating a focus primarily concentrated on a few solutions rather than a broad spectrum of strategies.

Justin Winters, Co-founder and Executive Director of One Earth, emphasized the urgency of addressing these gaps, stating, "While momentum around climate solutions is building, understanding where investment is insufficient is key to mobilizing effective action. 'Minding the Gaps' aims to initiate discussions that bridge this funding divide."

The One Earth Solutions Finance Tracker is designed to empower stakeholders—including philanthropists, investors, and policymakers—by aligning capital with high-impact climate solutions. It uniquely combines both philanthropic and investment flows tied directly to real-world climate challenges, offering a transparent, dynamic resource that is frequently updated.

Vibrant Data Labs CEO Eric Berlow added, "By analyzing these signals amidst the noise, we can guide funders towards critical under-funded areas. The good news is we understand the necessary actions, but the challenge lies in executing these solutions comprehensively."

Moreover, the financing landscape reveals misdirection within the energy and agricultural sectors. It is noted that within the substantial funding allocated to renewable energy, 50% is diverted to solar photovoltaic solutions, which is projected to only account for 21% of the global energy needs by 2055. Additionally, only 3% of renewable energy funding supports for-profit efforts to improve energy access for underserved communities.

Regarding agriculture, less than 2.5% of funding is directed towards achieving essential regenerative practices, such as biochar and agroforestry, with much of the investment going towards plant-based and meat alternatives that often do not utilize sustainable methods.

"Minding the Gaps" marks the first in a planned series of reports that will spotlight these critical funding gaps. Upcoming editions intend to focus on particular themes, including solutions led by women and other pressing funding needs.

For those interested in exploring the interactive report, it is available at Minding the Gaps.

About One Earth

One Earth is a global coalition of climate strategists committed to actionable climate solutions. With its Solutions Framework, the organization identifies over 75 validated pathways across the realms of Energy Transition, Nature Conservation, and Regenerative Agriculture. Their mission is to convert knowledge into tangible impacts, bolstering local initiatives while creating connections to larger global systems.

About Vibrant Data Labs

Vibrant Data Labs is dedicated to amplifying the impact of climate finance through public, open-source tools that facilitate discovery and actionable insights. Their thorough and scientific methodology helps decipher the complexities surrounding climate solution ecosystems.