Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet, a global movement inspiring businesses and individuals to support environmental solutions through memberships and everyday actions, owned by Patagonia, is out today with a statement in response to the latest UN Climate Report. 

Kate’s full statement can be found below — 

“The IPCC’s most recent report is – yet again – a clarion call for awareness and action to reduce GHG emissions. The report does not mince words: human activity is unequivocally contributing to climate change with significant negative impacts on both human and natural communities, especially those most vulnerable. If it feels like a gut punch to read the report, it should. But we need to take a deep breath and get to work. Businesses have opportunities through 1% for the Planet and many other operational choices to address their emissions profiles, consumers are and should continue to demand real action from both the business and government sectors, and we all should put our money to work in banks and investments that fund positive outcomes instead of systems that – literally – fuel growing emissions. We know the solutions that can lead us to a thriving future. Now is the time to prioritize them.”

Kate Williams

Kate Williams is CEO of 1% for the Planet, a global movement that inspires action and commitment so that our planet and future generations thrive. Kate joined the 1% for the Planet team in 2014 and stepped into her role as CEO in May 2015 with a strong leadership track record, including roles as Board Chair of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), as Executive Director of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, as founder of an agricultural business, and as an elected political official. She brings a deep passion for the power of collective action to all she does. 

As CEO, Kate has led significant growth in 1% for the Planet’s scale and impact, guiding deep work on best practices for implementing high-impact giving strategies, growing a global brand, and operating as a highly effective and innovative enterprise. 

Kate earned a BA at Princeton University and an MS at the MIT Sloan School of Management, and has served on a variety of nonprofit boards throughout her career. She is a trail runner, active dog walker and kitchen gardener. Kate lives in Vermont with her husband and two children.