WHO WE ARE
We are the first organization dedicated exclusively to providing a critical, but scarce resource—legal support—to the indispensable climate movement.
We offer legal advice and strategy, coordination, and funds for legal defense. We build and strengthen a network of diverse lawyers and legal organizations to serve the climate movement.
We operate on a hybrid model, acting as both legal experts and a regranter focused on meeting the legal needs of climate defenders.
Wealthy corporations driving the climate crisis have armies of white-shoe firms, and governments have teams of lawyers, while climate defenders scramble for support. We will never level the playing field, but we give climate defenders a fighting chance. Legal support for climate defenders is a fundamental component of any philanthropic or advocacy strategy to address the climate crisis.
Hybrid Model
CliDef is an intermediary funder that raises funds and makes grants to legal NGOs. We also pre-position money and lawyers for emergency response and for preventative and affirmative litigation.
Identifying Hot Spots
We prioritize “hot spots” where projects with high climate impact combined with repressive legal environments make climate activism dangerous.
Partnerships
We go where we are needed to support and build a community of lawyers and legal organizations ready to serve the climate movement.
Trust-Based and Security-Conscious
Effective defense starts before the emergency happens. We use a comprehensive, trust-based approach that anticipates as well as responds to threats.
Our Leadership
Our staff has decades of combined legal experience in defending human rights and climate defenders worldwide.
Contact Us
Interested in partnering or supporting Global Climate Legal Defense’s work? Please reach out.