About us
We are Clima Now
Our motivation is simple: if we want to provide future generations with a future worth living, global warming must be halted. And fast. This is probably the single greatest challenge human civilization has ever faced. We act fearlessly, humanely and thoughtfully. Fearlessly, because we don’t freeze up in the face of this huge challenge but remain confident. Humanely, because we are approachable, open and undogmatic. Thoughtfully, because our approach is focused and strategic, in order to have the greatest possible impact.
Clima Now Community
We, as part of a broad community, would like to help combat the climate challenge. We see ourselves as initiators and invite others to participate.
The Initiative group
Clima Now was founded by a group of people who want to assume their responsibility towards future generations. We work to ensure that the sensitive climate balance is preserved and we inspire as many people as possible to join us on this journey.
“Our Earth is our heritage. I am assuming responsibility for this. Now!”
Martin Meili worked for 30 years as a general practitioner in a group practice in Zurich. Through datuma.ch, he and his brothers have been funding projects that are combating climate change for a long time already. In 1970, he took part in the first-ever Earth Day as an exchange student in the USA and already then was confronted with the problems of climate change and the “point of no return”. With his commitment to Clima Now, he would like to work to ensure that viable solutions are at last promoted and appropriate measures adopted. Martin is president of the foundation board of Clima Now.
“We’re all sitting on the branch that we ourselves are sawing off – I object to this and am doing something about it.”
As a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, Daniel Meili worked for many years as a chief physician for the treatment of drug addicts and thus helped to shape liberal drug policy in Switzerland. Today he runs his own practice. More than 20 years ago, Daniel’s father, Ernst Meili, left his fortune – while he was still alive – to him and his brothers as an advance inheritance to be used to build sustainable projects. The Meili brothers increasingly focused their commitment on the most important issue of the day – global warming – and established Clima Now to efficiently pool as much privately-donated funding as possible to reduce the greenhouse gas balance.
“Use what you have and what you can to have a positive impact on our climate and environment.”
Ruedi Gerber is an entrepreneur, film producer and film director. He treats social, cultural or artistic themes in his films – some of which have won awards – such as LA FUGA , BREATH MADE VISIBLE or JOURNEY INTO SENSUALITY. For 30 years, he has been developing a farm for biodynamic products and natural wine in Italy. He revitalized an entire village by developing this vineyard and the agriturismo project that forms part of it, and by reviving the only restaurant in the village. He has been intensively involved in cultural activities and environmental issues for many years.
«I love our Earth and want to inspire and encourage ambitious climate action.»
Franziska has many years of experience in international development cooperation with a wide range of partners and has a sound insight and overview of international climate policy, various climate protection measures, technologies and financing options.
Franziska studied International Relations at the Technical University of Dresden before completing a Master's degree in Environmental Science at Lund University in Sweden. After the postgraduate program at the German Development Institute, Franziska worked for three years at KfW Development Bank in the Resource Conservation Team Asia and joined myclimate in 2009. There, she managed the carbon offset projects department for ten years and has been building up bilateral carbon offsetting since 2022. On the side, Franziska organizes environmental education and wilderness education offerings for a deeper connection to nature and a more conscious sustainable lifestyle.
“I want to actively shape the future instead of waiting.”
Swiss-born Nathalie, who has a Spanish background, was already influenced in her childhood by the social commitment of her parents, who worked in India. After graduating from the University of St. Gallen and subsequently working in consulting with PwC in London and Bain & Company and Zurich, she was employed by LGT Venture Philanthropy before founding her own consultancy, mavia, in Zurich in 2012.
The idea for Clima Now originated from her many years of cooperation with the Meili family, out of a shared desire to focus on the most important issue facing society today and to pool resources accordingly. Nathalie is the Executive Director of Clima Now.
The future belongs to those who innovate for a greener world
From a young age, Marco was profoundly inspired by people who embrace risks and envision a brighter world. Consequently, he pursued his studies in Entrepreneurship at the Copenhagen Business School. He was astounded by the significant strides that the Nordic country had taken in climate action compared to Switzerland. Marco dedicated the following years to establishing innovative ventures for the Migros Group, with the goal of enhancing the overall quality of life in Switzerland.
He firmly believes in the transformative potential of creative destruction, where innovative solutions combined with capital, drive the societal changes necessary to safeguard our climate.
We need new technologies and solutions to combat climate change.
Maurin has looked for and supported various start-ups for a Swiss media company and later for the largest Swiss retailer, driving their ability to innovate. This has continuously increased his awareness of the challenges of climate change.
At Clima Now, he is keen to drive forward the financing of start-ups that have the potential to transform individual sectors or even the entire economy towards climate neutrality. Maurin is convinced that sustainable business will become an integral part of our system and that it is therefore essential to promote this change.
«We can all do something!»
Claudia already worked in different media fields during her studies in Basel: as a vjane, program developer TV and journalist in print and online.
During another stint at a Swiss embassy, she realized how much decisions on one side of the world can have a global impact. She then spent the last few years working in the Swiss education sector, helping to build social media at USI University of Italian Speaking Switzerland and Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, among others, and driving their web presences.
With her digital knowledge she moves between text and technology and uses these inputs to reach Clima Now's goal of activating 100'000 people for the climate.
«The future is coming anyway. Let's make sure it's worth living in»
With perseverance and passion, Corinne is committed to a sustainable society - one that enables everyone to live a good life within the planetary boundaries. A political scientist, she worked as a climate and energy policy expert at WWF Switzerland and built up a funding portfolio at the Migros Pioneer Fund in the area of sustainable business - a topic that Corinne also promotes as co-founder and co-president of the Swiss Donut Economic Network.
At Clima Now, Corinne is responsible for the Policy & Advocacy strategy and works to make future-oriented climate policy acceptable to the majority. For this, she also relies on her expertise in transformation design and systems thinking. She is convinced that now is the time to take responsibility together and shape the future with courage and foresight.
"The time to make the right decisions is now!"
In addition to the importance of promoting projects, Anna has become increasingly aware of the significance of Policy & Advocacy in recent years. With a passion for political shaping and a deep understanding of the mechanisms of the political landscape, she brings extensive experience in the development and implementation of political strategies.
Anna envisions a Switzerland where political decisions at the highest level contribute to Switzerland's adherence to the Paris Agreement. In her role as Policy Advocacy Lead at Clima Now, she actively works towards these goals.
"Woof!"
Nola is a federally certified office dog currently undergoing training to become a truffle-sniffing expert.
When she's not sleeping, she explores every corner of the office in search of something edible and reacts to every rustle. She loves walks and snacks.
At Clima Now, Nola works as a Feelgood Manager and warmly welcomes all visitors personally.
Contact
Do you have any questions? Please send an e-mail to contact@climanow.ch or get in touch with us via the contact form.
Our Investment Committee
The Investment Committee assists Clima Now with impact investing in early-stage companies that have a positive impact on the climate.
“Our Earth is our heritage. I am assuming responsibility for this. Now!”
Martin Meili worked for 30 years as a general practitioner in a group practice in Zurich. Through datuma.ch, he and his brothers have been funding projects that are combating climate change for a long time already. In 1970, he took part in the first-ever Earth Day as an exchange student in the USA and already then was confronted with the problems of climate change and the “point of no return”. With his commitment to Clima Now, he would like to work to ensure that viable solutions are at last promoted and appropriate measures adopted. Martin is president of the foundation board of Clima Now.
“I want to actively shape the future instead of waiting.”
Swiss-born Nathalie, who has a Spanish background, was already influenced in her childhood by the social commitment of her parents, who worked in India. After graduating from the University of St. Gallen and subsequently working in consulting with PwC in London and Bain & Company and Zurich, she was employed by LGT Venture Philanthropy before founding her own consultancy, mavia, in Zurich in 2012.
The idea for Clima Now originated from her many years of cooperation with the Meili family, out of a shared desire to focus on the most important issue facing society today and to pool resources accordingly. Nathalie is the Executive Director of Clima Now.
The future belongs to those who innovate for a greener world
From a young age, Marco was profoundly inspired by people who embrace risks and envision a brighter world. Consequently, he pursued his studies in Entrepreneurship at the Copenhagen Business School. He was astounded by the significant strides that the Nordic country had taken in climate action compared to Switzerland. Marco dedicated the following years to establishing innovative ventures for the Migros Group, with the goal of enhancing the overall quality of life in Switzerland.
He firmly believes in the transformative potential of creative destruction, where innovative solutions combined with capital, drive the societal changes necessary to safeguard our climate.
«Innovative approaches like that of Clima Now are needed to counteract climate change. Through my participation on the Investment Committee, I hope to be able to make a small contribution to the Foundation’s success.»
Dirk Muenchis an analyst, entrepreneur and impact investor. He co-founded Persistent, the largest impact venture builder in Africa, which has led to the formation of over 15 companies. Dirk is a co-founder of the Energy Access Entrepreneur Fund, which finances energy companies in Africa through their early growth stages, and an independent board member at Übermorgen Ventures. Dirk’s motivation is to foster global sustainable development and in particular to minimize climate change.
Tina Dreimann is co-founder and managing director of better ventures and, as an investor, wants to shift the fixed stars of our economy. With better ventures, she supports founders by bringing relevant entrepreneurial experience and a relevant network beyond initial financing. Tina has helped build various start-ups. She is convinced that value-driven entrepreneurs improve the world and that profit should not take precedence over impact.
Our partners
Selected strategic partnerships enhance the effectiveness of Clima Now’s action.