Global Commons Alliance

What Global Commons Alliance does

Global Commons Alliance (GCA) is a nonprofit coalition founded in June 2019 and headquartered in New York (120 Broadway Suite 3475), structured as a sponsored project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. Its stated mission is to safeguard and restore Earth's life-support systems by convening civil society, business networks, science institutions, philanthropy, and governments to translate Earth system science into systemic change across governance, finance, the economy, and culture.

The Alliance's core "products" are five interconnected components, each led by member organizations but integrated under the Alliance umbrella: the Earth Commission (scientific synthesis of safe and just Earth System Boundaries, published in Nature 2023 and The Lancet Planetary Health 2024 with 60+ co-authors), the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN - guidance for companies to set science-based targets for nature across freshwater, land, ocean, biodiversity, and climate), the Accountability Accelerator (corporate accountability and, since February 2025, an independent validation service for SBTN targets), Systems Change Lab (a data dashboard tracking 70+ transformational shifts), and Earth HQ (communications and culture work, including EPIC and the Planetary Health Check). The Science Based Targets Network has 80+ member organizations and methods road-tested by 200+ organizations, including 115 companies representing over $4 trillion in market cap. The Alliance ecosystem comprises over 70 partner organizations and was reported at 100+ partners as of November 2023.

GCA's business model is philanthropic: it does not charge membership fees, and the Secretariat (a 4-person team co-directed by Sebastian Schienle and Will Tucker) is funded by grants from Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Osprey Foundation, Porticus, and other foundations. Go-to-market is event-driven and community-led: the Alliance activates participation at major policy moments (COP16, COP27, COP28, COP29, London Climate Action Week), runs a bi-weekly newsletter and active LinkedIn and Bluesky presence, and recruits new members through an inquiry form followed by a one-on-one collaboration call. Customers are not buying a product; organizations join as members to multiply their impact through collective stewardship, and philanthropies fund the Secretariat to support ecosystem coordination.

Name

Global Commons Alliance

Legal name

Global Commons Alliance

Website

https://globalcommonsalliance.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Global Commons Alliance is a nonprofit coalition founded in 2019 that convenes over 70 civil society, business, science, and philanthropic organizations to translate Earth system science into systemic change across governance, finance, the economy, and culture.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sustainability Coalition and Environmental Stewardship

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Technical Committees, Working Groups & Expert Panels (BPADANAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Environmental & Climate Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAM), Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus & Resilience Programming (BPADAEAK)

Keywords

• Sustainability coalition
• Planetary boundaries framework
• Science-based targets nature
• Environmental stewardship network
• Climate systems change

Headquarters

HQ city

New York

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Philanthropic donations and grants: The Global Commons Alliance is a nonprofit organization funded through donations and grants from philanthropic foundations and individual supporters. The Secretariat is generously supported by multiple funders including Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (fiscal sponsor), Bloomberg Philanthropies, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Osprey Foundation, Porticus, and others. US-based donors can give via Every.org; international donors contact the organization directly.
2. Membership contributions: Organizations join the Global Commons Alliance as members, contributing to collective stewardship and coordinated action toward safeguarding the global commons. Membership structure has evolved to deepen relationships and enable stronger collaboration.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The Global Commons Alliance is a coalition of over 70 organizations that convenes civil society, business networks, science institutions, and philanthropy to translate Earth system science into systemic change. It delivers five interconnected components: scientific frameworks (Safe and Just Earth System Boundaries), corporate target-setting guidance (Science Based Targets Network), independent validation of corporate nature targets (Accountability Accelerator), a progress monitoring dashboard (Systems Change Lab), and communications/storytelling (Earth HQ).

Product overview

Global Commons Alliance is a coalition platform that brings together five interconnected components: the Earth Commission (scientific boundaries), Science Based Targets Network (corporate targets for nature), Accountability Accelerator (corporate validation), Systems Change Lab (progress monitoring), and Earth HQ (communications). The Alliance translates Safe and Just Earth System Boundaries science into systemic change in governance, finance, economy, and culture. It functions as an alliance of organizations rather than a single unified software product.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Earth Commission An international scientific panel that assesses and synthesizes the latest science to define the boundaries for a safe and just planet, identifying critical planetary thresholds to ensure clean air, water, biodiversity, and stable climate.
• Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) A coalition equipping companies and cities with guidance to set science-based targets for nature across biodiversity, climate, land, ocean, and water, enabling them to operate within an environmentally safe and socially just space.
• Accountability Accelerator Validation Service for Science-Based Targets for Nature An independent validation service that provides a stamp of approval that companies' science-based targets for nature are in line with the latest scientific requirements for reversing and halting nature loss by 2030.
• Systems Change Lab Data Dashboard A research and data dashboard tracking global progress for more than 70 transformational shifts across nearly every system, enabling users to compare current action against targets needed by 2030 and 2050 to protect people and the planet.
• Earth HQ An independent initiative creating connective tissue between culture, communications, and systems change, convening journalists, artists, scientists, and storytellers to reimagine humanity's relationship with the planet.
• Safe and Just Earth System Boundaries Framework A scientific framework quantifying boundaries for a safe (biophysically stable) and just (minimizing harm and ensuring basic standards) planet across climate, freshwater, fertilizers, biodiversity, and aerosol pollutants, designed to be downscaled for action by cities and businesses.

Quantifiable outcome

• Science Based Targets Network has 80+ member organizations and over 200 organizations road-tested its methods with 115 companies representing $4 trillion in market cap
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

35 partnerships are on record, tiered core founding member and member.

• Accountability Acceleratorcore founding memberStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 December 2022The Accountability Accelerator was launched in December 2022 at COP15 to accelerate appropriate disclosure, benchmarking, and action around the world, including by supporting local and grass roots groups in the Global South. It maps the accountability landscape to close gaps that would allow companies to say one thing and do another on nature-positive action. It hosts the independent validation function for SBTN science-based targets for nature.
• Earth HQcore founding memberStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2021Earth HQ was launched at COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021 as an independent initiative creating connective tissue between culture, communications, and systems change. It convenes journalists, artists, scientists, and storytellers to reimagine humanity's relationship with the planet and accelerate collective action. It launched EPIC (Earth Public Information Collaborative) and the Planetary Health Check.
• Systems Change Labcore founding memberStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Systems Change Lab was launched in 2020 to monitor, learn from, and advance transformational change needed to tackle the world's greatest challenges: limiting global warming to 1.5°C, halting biodiversity loss, and building a just and equitable economy. Its research and data dashboard tracks global progress for more than 70 transformational shifts.
• Earth Commissioncore founding memberStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2019The Earth Commission was launched in June 2019 to synthesize the latest science to define the boundaries for a safe and just planet. It is the scientific cornerstone of the Global Commons Alliance, assessing and uniting international natural and social experts to identify critical planetary thresholds. The Commission produced the Safe and Just Earth System Boundaries published in Nature (2023) and The Lancet Planetary Health (2024).
• Science Based Targets Network (SBTN)core founding memberStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2019The Science Based Targets Network, launched in June 2019, provides a platform for cities and businesses to adopt science-based targets for all global commons. SBTN extends the concept of Science Based Targets initiative (for climate) to address broader environmental issues through science-based targets for nature, covering biodiversity, climate, land, ocean, and water. It launched the world's first science-based targets for nature in May 2023.
• Arctic BasecampmemberStrategic or Co-development PartnerArctic Basecamp is a science communication organization that translates cutting-edge polar and climate science into accessible, actionable insights for decision-makers and the public. Its mission is to 'speak science to power' — raising awareness of global risks of climate change amplified by polar change, and driving bold systemic action to safeguard Earth's life-support systems.
• Earth4AllmemberStrategic or Co-development PartnerEarth4All is an international initiative driving one of the most ambitious transitions of our time: transforming the economic system into one that puts people and planet first. Backed by world-leading scientists and economic thinkers, Earth4All champions five extraordinary turnarounds that create a pathway toward wellbeing and prosperity for all on a stable planet.
• Future EarthmemberStrategic or Co-development PartnerFuture Earth is a global network of scientists, researchers and innovators collaborating for a more sustainable planet. This global community is spread over a series of networks and governing and advisory bodies. It is the world's largest network of sustainability scientists and hosts the Earth Commission's secretariat.
• MongabaymemberStrategic or Co-development PartnerMongabay is an independent, nonprofit media organization reporting on nature and planetary challenges with a global network of local journalists. It serves a diverse audience by providing free access to news and information in numerous languages and formats to address knowledge gaps and improve transparency.
• Open Planet StudiosmemberStrategic or Co-development PartnerOpen Planet Studios is an award-winning, world-leading producer of natural history and impact content and part of the UN's SDG Media Compact. It specializes in engaging both large and targeted audiences with video content that tells stories about world's problems and emerging solutions, working with Netflix, BBC, Discovery+, and YouTube Originals.
• We Don't Have TimememberStrategic or Co-development PartnerWe Don't Have Time is the world's largest media platform for climate action, with a mission to democratize knowledge about climate solutions and inspire and mobilize global action toward a prosperous, fossil-free future.
• Wellbeing Economy Alliance (WEAll)memberStrategic or Co-development PartnerWellbeing Economy Alliance is the collaboration of change makers working together to transform the economic system, influencing narratives, sharing knowledge and connecting a multi-actor network across the world. A Wellbeing Economy is designed to serve people and planet, with rules, norms and incentives delivering quality of life and flourishing for all people in harmony with the environment.
• The B TeammemberStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe B Team is a global collective of 32+ business and civil society leaders driving a prosperous and fair future on a healthy planet for all, with a small secretariat of 17 employees. Its mission is to catalyze business action to address the biggest challenges facing people and planet.
• Climate SpringmemberStrategic or Co-development PartnerClimate Spring is a global organization with a mission to change the public conversation on the climate and nature crisis by partnering with popular culture. It operates a Development Fund investing into a pipeline of new TV and film content, advises the creative industries, provides training and guidance, and has incubated the Climate Fiction Book Prize.
• Climate Governance CommissionmemberStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Climate Governance Commission addresses a critical gap in confronting the global climate emergency. As an independent initiative, it develops and promotes effective, science-based governance solutions to tackle climate and broader Earth system risks by closing key action gaps in implementation, policy, and global coordination.
• MEGA (Mobilizing an Earth Governance Alliance)memberStrategic or Co-development PartnerMEGA is a coalition of civil society organizations working in cooperation with like-minded governments and other stakeholders to strengthen environmental governance. It provides a platform to connect environmental organizations, governance proposals and campaigns, and is a flagship program of the World Federalist Movement.
• World Federalist MovementmemberStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe World Federalist Movement creates more effective, transparent, and accountable global governance leading to democratic world federation. It has 47 Member Organizations with tens of thousands of individual members. Its two flagship programs are MEGA (global governance of the global commons) and Law not War (non-violent resolution of conflict).
• Planetary Health AlliancememberStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Planetary Health Alliance promotes, mobilizes, and leads an inclusive, transdisciplinary field of Planetary Health to achieve the Great Transition — a comprehensive shift in how human beings interact with each other and nature to secure a livable future for humanity and the rest of life on Earth.
• Center for Global Commons (CGC) at the University of TokyomemberStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Center for Global Commons at the University of Tokyo develops frameworks such as the Global Commons Stewardship Framework to drive socio-economic system transformations for a sustainable future, focusing on energy, food, resource circulation, and urbanization to manage shared Earth resources within planetary boundaries.
• Tropical Water Research Alliance (TWRA)memberStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Tropical Water Research Alliance is a Brazilian non-profit scientific, educational, and cultural organisation dedicated to promoting sustainability and protecting tropical river basins, with a strong focus on integrated water management and water security.
• Nature & Climate Impact Team, University of Exeter Business SchoolmemberStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Nature & Climate Impact Team at the University of Exeter Business School, led by Professor Gail Whiteman and supported by André and Rosalie Hoffmann, exists to accelerate action on nature and climate by turning cutting-edge research into practical, positive action — collaborating with businesses, creatives, NGOs, and policymakers.
• Dialogue EarthmemberStrategic or Co-development PartnerDialogue Earth is an independent, non-profit dedicated to producing compelling environmental journalism and informed global conversations.
• EcoCitizenmemberStrategic or Co-development PartnerEcoCitizen is a not-for-profit, social-ecological impact organisation, recognised by Ministerial Decree, committed to transparent, mission-driven integrity.
• AwareNearthmemberStrategic or Co-development PartnerAwareNearth is a nonprofit association based in Geneva, Switzerland, that believes sharing diverse worldviews on existential risks is essential to enhancing human well-being and protecting the natural world for future generations.
• Climate BasecampmemberStrategic or Co-development PartnerClimate Basecamp was founded by actor and activist Rainn Wilson, comedy writer Chuck Tatham, advertising expert Steve Walls and social scientist Professor Gail Whiteman. Its mission is to speak science to culture, targeting people who are not actively engaged through five pillars of culture: food, entertainment, sports, fashion and music.
• Climate BridgesmemberStrategic or Co-development PartnerClimate Bridges is a movement of practitioners and changemakers, connecting individuals and organizations committed to people and planet. It builds partnerships for climate action with a current focus on finance, food systems, inclusion and diversity, mindfulness and leadership development.
• BellwethersmemberStrategic or Co-development PartnerBellwethers is dedicated to expanding a generation of leaders, challengers, visionaries and communicators to establish normative power to enable a future nature and climate economy. It recruits and equips leaders who can legitimize, implement or normalize nature, climate and equity goals.
• Planet GuardiansmemberStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Planetary Guardians are a collective that promote the Planetary Boundaries concept and leverage it to find solutions to protect the Earth.
• SAVE – Strategic Alliances Viable EarthmemberStrategic or Co-development PartnerSAVE is a Hamburg-based, non-profit organization focused on fostering collaborative, sustainable solutions for the environment. It aims to connect stakeholders to create partnerships that promote ecological viability, leveraging collective action to tackle climate change, resource management, and sustainability goals.
• Inner Green DealmemberStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Inner Green Deal is a non-profit initiative aiming to accelerate ecological transitions by fostering inner development, mindfulness, and emotional resilience in changemakers through programs, nature-based coaching, and workshops to help leaders navigate climate anxiety and cultivate skills like compassion, systems thinking, and collaboration.
• ViaFlorestamemberStrategic or Co-development PartnerViaFloresta is a Brazilian innovation and impact studio dedicated to strengthening territorial development, socio-bioeconomy systems, and regenerative solutions across the Amazon and the Global South, connecting territories, organizations, and capital to co-create long-lasting, equitable transformations grounded in culture, biodiversity, and community agency.
• Innovations for Development (I4DEV)memberStrategic or Co-development PartnerBased in Uganda, Innovations for Development (I4DEV) is a grass-root organization working to champion innovations that will solve society's most intractable health and education challenges.
• International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA)memberStrategic or Co-development PartnerIAIA is a global, non-profit association dedicated to the study and application of impact assessment with a global network of 1,400 individual and corporate members across 110 countries, hosting regional events and an annual global conference, and offering training, career development courses and industry benchmark publications.
• Prance Earth NexusmemberStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrance Earth Nexus focuses on climate solutions in conservation and tourism through software innovation and eco communications.
• Banka Earth FoundationmemberStrategic or Co-development PartnerBanka Earth Foundation's mission is sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) solutions for all, at all times, and in all places, operating in India and partnering with corporate entities and civil society organizations.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights18 records

Direct peers

• Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi): Direct peer in the science-based target-setting space. SBTi sets corporate climate targets; GCA's SBTN extends this methodology to nature. They are explicitly complementary, with shared corporate audiences and methodology DNA.
• Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD): Direct peer in nature-related corporate disclosure frameworks. TNFD provides disclosure recommendations while GCA/SBTN provides science-based targets; together they shape the corporate nature accountability stack.
• World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD): Alliance member and peer coalition convening businesses around sustainability. Both serve as business-focused convening bodies translating science into corporate action — WBCSD with a longer operational history.
• Capitals Coalition: Alliance member working on natural and social capital accounting. Shares the Alliance's goal of embedding planetary boundaries into corporate decision-making, with overlapping corporate audiences.
• Future Earth: Alliance member and convenor of the Earth Commission's secretariat. Functions as a global research network for sustainability — closely tied operationally and mission-aligned with GCA.
• The B Team: Alliance member — a collective of business and civil society leaders driving planet-positive corporate action. Comparable convening model focused on corporate leadership, complementary rather than substitutable.

Broad incumbents

• CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project): Established incumbent in corporate environmental disclosure. Broader scope than GCA, but operates in the adjacent space where corporate nature disclosures could be funneled — a potential channel partner or competitive ecosystem.
• UN Global Compact: Broader UN-affiliated convening initiative for corporate sustainability. Operates at much larger scale and overlaps significantly on convening corporations around sustainability principles and the SDGs.
• World Economic Forum (Climate & Nature initiatives): Hosts major convening moments (Davos, COPs) and runs climate/nature initiatives. Overlaps with GCA on corporate sustainability convening and Earth system governance discourse.

Emerging players

• Stockholm Resilience Centre: Originating academic home of the Planetary Boundaries framework (2009). Foundational scientific peer; GCA's Safe and Just Earth System Boundaries explicitly extends Stockholm Resilience Centre's work.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/nowthisearth
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/globalcommonsalliance
• Xx.com/globalcommonshq

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Global Commons Alliance