…. Spoiler: This One Doesn’t Require Recycling Cardboard Boxes!
When people think of Amazon and sustainability, packaging or renewable energy usually come to mind. (Or. If you’re a regular Women Love Tech reader, water conservation). But, for Jasmine Hyman, Global Lead of Amazon Right Now Climate Fund, the vision stretches far beyond warehouses or delivery vans. “The Right Now Climate Fund reflects our commitment to supporting nature, people, and communities where action is needed most urgently,” she explains. “What makes this $100M fund distinctive is its focus on concrete environmental benefits that are scalable, durable, and valued by the communities where we operate.”
Since its creation in 2019, the fund has backed initiatives that harness nature’s regenerative power – from restoring degraded forests to safeguarding critical watersheds – while elevating human wellbeing. “It’s not about headlines. It’s about financing thoughtfully designed projects that demonstrate new possibilities and catalyse broader change through our partners’ expertise,” Jasmine says.
From Bandicoots to Breakthroughs
Down under, Amazon has invested AU$2.5 million to protect some of Australia’s most endangered wildlife. Working with the Odonata Foundation, the fund supports breeding programs, wildlife sanctuaries, and species relocation. The foundation’s ‘500-in-5’ model is elegantly simple: maintain at least 500 animals of a species across five sites to build genetic resilience and shield against local disasters. “What excites me most about Odonata’s 500-in-5 model is that it fundamentally reimagines conservation work,” Jasmine says. “The results speak for themselves. Take the eastern barred bandicoot, once officially declared extinct in the wild. In 2004, there were just 24 bandicoots at Mt. Rothwell. Today, there are more than 4,000 in sanctuaries and over 1,500 in the wild.”
The project transcends statistics. “During a recent spotlight tour, watching guests become visibly moved by seeing these animals in the evening light showed me this work transcends numbers – it inspires others to join the movement,” she explains. Each species is more than a number. “A single bandicoot turns over three tonnes of soil annually, making landscapes more resilient to floods and droughts. Supporting these nine species creates contagious momentum for the positive change our planet desperately needs.”
Mangroves in Mumbai: Flamingos, and Female Empowerment
Across the globe, in the bustling metropolis of Mumbai, the fund supports a $1.2 million project to restore mangrove forests and remove plastic from Thane Creek. Once one of the world’s most polluted waterways, Thane Creek is a vital stopover for migratory birds, including flamingos. “The Mumbai mangrove project perfectly illustrates the essential connection between environmental and social impact,” Jasmine says. “This intervention doesn’t just benefit wildlife – it transforms daily life for nearby residents who previously lived alongside this constant pollution.”
The project extends to flamingo nesting grounds 620 kilometres north, where local women are employed to plant mangroves that form natural bioshields against climate events. Backed by research from Srusthi Conservation Group, these efforts are guided by data and supported by government engagement, creating pathways for lasting, systemic change. “By joining forces with Hasten Regeneration on this landmark project, we aim to safeguard Mumbai’s flamingo habitat for future generations,” Jasmine adds.
Seaweed, Science and Scale
Meanwhile, in the North Sea, Amazon has funded the world’s first commercial-scale seaweed farm nestled between offshore wind turbines in the Netherlands. Seaweed’s potential spans carbon capture, marine biodiversity restoration, and sustainable raw materials for food, fashion, and personal care. “At the North Sea Farmer’s Seaweed Conference last year, I was amazed by the diversity of applications – from seaweed-based socks and flour to patio furniture, plastic packaging alternatives, and personal care products,” Jasmine says. “This versatility points to seaweed’s potential as a scalable climate solution. Unlike traditional agriculture, which competes for land and requires fertilisers that damage waterways, seaweed farming needs no land, no fertiliser, no freshwater, and is likely to actually improve the marine environment while growing.”
Amazon’s investment also includes a research component to measure biodiversity and carbon capture. “When results arrive next year, they’ll provide the scientific foundation for scaling this solution worldwide – turning underutilised ocean space into productive climate action,” Jasmine notes.
Collaboration is the Key
Ultimately, these projects together reveal the power of combining expertise, collaboration, and scale. “The common thread across Australia’s species recovery, Mumbai’s ecosystem restoration, and the North Sea’s seaweed cultivation is their potential to drive system-wide transformation. Each generates valuable research that benefits the broader conservation community while demonstrating scalable approaches to complex environmental challenges,” Jasmine says. Companies like Amazon provide resources and reach, while local and scientific partners contribute deep knowledge and trusted relationships.
Jasmine’s work proves that climate action can be elegant, measurable, and inspiring. “While people see Amazon’s sustainability efforts in packaging or renewable energy, these projects reveal another dimension – creating the conditions for transformative solutions to emerge and scale. We’re not just reducing our own footprint – we’re helping build the infrastructure for systemic environmental change that extends far beyond any single company’s reach.”
Through protecting endangered wildlife, restoring mangroves, and pioneering sustainable seaweed cultivation, Amazon and Jasmine Hyman demonstrate that corporate action can leave a lasting mark on both nature and communities. In doing so, they show that climate solutions can be as creative, ambitious, and interconnected as the planet itself.
