The Elders Foundation appoints a Climate Change Policy Adviser

Kiri Hanks has joined The Elders Foundation as a Climate Change Policy Adviser. Kiri started her career as a political researcher for MEPs Linda McAvan and Glenys Kinnock, before shifting to Oxfam, where she worked for six years on global climate advocacy spanning climate finance, adaptation, equity and impact.

The Elders are a group of independent leaders, brought together by Nelson Mandela in 2007, who use their collective experience and influence for peace, justice and human rights worldwide.

Work on climate change is a core priority for The Elders. Kiri will guide and support The Elders’ political advocacy on climate change. She will deliver The Elders’ climate change work in line with the Foundation’s vision, mission and values, as well as implement The Elder’s climate change strategy, ensuring that it is as effective as possible in its climate change advocacy. Current priorities include: encouraging ambitious actions by countries; ensuring a just and resilient transition; the global governance of geoengineering; and decarbonisation of public sector financing for fossil fuel production.

For this project, Society engaged with a range of experts working on climate change, sustainability and the environment across the United Kingdom. Our search spanned United Nations bodies, NGOs, government departments, think tanks and private sector businesses.