urgewald Titelbild

Holding finance accountable. For people. For the planet.

We fight against corporations that destroy our livelihoods by shining a light on their financing. We hold banks, investors, insurers, and governments accountable.

With your support, we can change the financial system!

We are independent, we do cutting-edge research, and we won't back down until we have achieved real change. Your donation makes it all possible.

What motivates us

Whales

Save the Whale Paradise

An oil and gas industrial center is planned in the San Matía Gulf - where whales raise their calves. Together with international partners, we are advocating for the protection of this important ecosystem from fossil fuel expansion.

Brennender Wald

We reveal the world's largest fossil fuel investors

Our report, “Investing in Climate Chaos,” shows that global institutional investors currently hold over 6.5 trillion U.S. dollars worth of stocks and bonds from companies in the fossil fuel industry. These include asset managers, pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies, foundations, and hedge funds.

Deutschlandkarte mit geplanten Gaskraftwerken

Online map reveals the federal government's fossil fuel plans

Gas-fired power plants, LNG terminals, pipelines, gas wells: We show where projects are planned in Germany. Activists and those affected can now use this information to stay informed, connect with others, and protest together.

How we work

01

We bring transparency to global financial flows

Our meticulous research uncovers what energy companies trample on climate protection and human rights. We also reveal what banks, investors and insurers enable such destructive projects. Our unique databases encompass huge assets and enable effective resistance.

Research Symbolbild
02

We build fair partnerships & create successful campaigns

Our campaigns attract attention and generate public pressure. We work closely with activists and communities whose livelihoods corporations and their projects threaten. Together, we take their concerns to where they need to be heard: the boardrooms of banks and energy companies, their annual general meetings and to politicians’ offices. We share our findings – with NGOs, Indigenous Communities, academics and the media – because we can only win with open, fair partnerships.

Campaignerin Klara Butz mit Partnern auf der COP
03

We change the world

We engage decisionmakers with in-depth research, targeted campaigns, and productive dialogue: We not only change individual companies but entire industries.

Regenwald in Guyana

Want to be part of the change?

Together we can protect the environment and human rights. There are many ways to get involved: switching to a sustainable bank, supporting our campaigns or becoming a member of the Urgewald Foundation. Find out more about how you can take action!

Recent publications

Cover Statement

"To Become a Leader, You Need to Lead"

Statement

The Norwegian Government Pension Fund Global (GPFG), the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund, remains heavily exposed to fossil fuels despite its stated ambition to lead on responsible inve

Events