From TIME · · 2m
Bill Frist on scaling climate finance and nuclear power
The former Senate majority leader and Nature Conservancy chair outlines how new financing tools and nuclear energy can accelerate climate action.
In brief
The former Senate majority leader and Nature Conservancy chair outlines how new financing tools and nuclear energy can accelerate climate action. Bill Frist, a Republican climate advocate, calls for scaling Nature Bonds and Project Finance for Permanence to unlock billions for conservation, and argues nuclear power…
Republican surgeon bridges climate divide
Dr.Bill Frist, a heart and lung surgeon and former U.S.Senate majority leader, chairs The Nature Conservancy's Global Board of Directors.He advocates for climate action by emphasizing how protecting the environment benefits human health.
Nature Bonds unlock conservation savings
Nature Bonds allow countries to refinance sovereign debt on better terms and direct savings into long-term conservation. Six projects are expected to unlock approximately one billion dollars through this tool The Nature Conservancy helped pioneer.
Project Finance for Permanence secures billions
Project Finance for Permanence brings governments, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, philanthropy and private capital into single agreements.
Gabon combines both financing tools
Building on a successful two thousand twenty-three Nature Bonds transaction, the Gabon Infini Project Finance for Permanence launched in two thousand twenty-six aims to mobilize up to two hundred million dollars over a decade for…
Frist restores Appalachian farm as laboratory
Bill Frist and his wife Tracy are restoring Sinking Creek Farm in Central Appalachia as a living laboratory for biodiversity, education and community action.
Nuclear power deserves more climate funding
Frist argues nuclear power is underfunded despite its potential. In two thousand twenty-four, nuclear generated forty-two percent of Tennessee's electricity compared with eighteen percent nationwide. France generates roughly two thirds of its electricity from nuclear.
Nuclear provides low-carbon health benefits
As a physician, Frist sees nuclear as addressing air pollution from fossil fuels that damages hearts and lungs.
Planetary health links to human wellbeing
Frist says The Nature Conservancy is seeing across more than eighty countries and territories how planetary health links to human health.
Solar now cheaper than new coal
Utility-scale solar is among the least expensive new sources of electricity in the United States, cheaper than new coal.When the cleaner choice is also the healthier and more affordable choice, Frist says progress will accelerate.
The short version
Bill Frist, a Republican climate advocate, calls for scaling Nature Bonds and Project Finance for Permanence to unlock billions for conservation, and argues nuclear power deserves more funding as a low-carbon electricity source.
