ClimateWorks Foundation is honored to receive a $40 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott in support of our efforts to help transform the global maritime shipping sector into a zero-emission, resilient, and equitable industry by 2050.

Maritime shipping is the backbone of global trade—and a significant contributor to climate pollution. With nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions originating from ships, the sector plays a critical role in the global transition to clean energy. While recent developments at the IMO have postponed the vote on the Net Zero Framework and introduced procedural complexities, momentum toward an ambitious and equitable framework for zero-emission shipping continues to advance. This gift enables ClimateWorks to deepen and expand efforts that help ensure this transition delivers economic opportunity, healthier port communities, and long-term climate benefits.

Driving momentum for zero-emission maritime shipping

With this support, ClimateWorks will work with partners across regions to:

• Accelerate the deployment of zero-emission fuels and technologies, helping move the sector toward full decarbonization by 2050.
• Support a just and equitable transition for workers, communities, and industries directly affected by changes in global shipping.
• Drive action across governments, industry, and civil society, building on growing global momentum for clean shipping—including leadership from the EU, U.S., Asia, and Latin America.

Philanthropy is relatively small in scale compared to the global decarbonization challenge, but it remains uniquely catalytic. Strategic funding can help test solutions, de-risk innovation, and unlock the broader public and private investments needed to transform a complex sector like maritime shipping.

A moment for bold action

“This gift comes at a pivotal moment for the maritime sector,” said Jason Anderson, Senior Program Director for ClimateWorks’ Maritime Shipping program. “Around the world, we’re seeing governments, industry, and communities push for cleaner, more resilient shipping. This support allows us to accelerate that momentum—advancing technologies, policies, and partnerships that reduce pollution, strengthen port communities, and build a more equitable global economy.”

MacKenzie Scott’s approach to philanthropy shows how generosity can meet the urgency of this moment. Her support underscores the importance of sustained, collaborative efforts to confront the climate crisis while improving lives and supporting shared economic prosperity.

ClimateWorks is proud to work alongside civil society organizations, port communities, and industry leaders who are already helping to build this future. This gift will help accelerate their work and amplify solutions ready to scale globally.