OUR GLOBAL REACH
Global impact, local leadership.
We work alongside organizations and partners across the globe to strengthen climate talent and build the human infrastructure needed for lasting impact.
We have so far worked in 31 countries and will continue to grow our reach.
31 Countries Reached
Across five continents
Impact Where It Matters
Building capacity in communities leading climate action
56 Organizations Strengthened
Local partners driving climate solutions
120+ Professionals Supported
Embedding talent where it’s needed most
Global Partnerships
Working together across sectors and borders
IMPACT STORIES
Real stories. Lasting impact.
Strengthening Climate Narratives
THE CHALLENGE
A leading climate organization in Asia needed to elevate climate issues in the national conversation but lacked the dedicated communications capacity to expand its reach and engage new audiences.
SURGE RESPONSE
Through the Climate Communications Fellowship, the organization welcomed an experienced communications professional who developed strategic messaging, strengthened media engagement, and established new approaches to narrative-building and public outreach.
THE IMPACT
The fellowship expanded the organization’s capacity during the placement and demonstrated the value of the role—leading to a permanent hire.
RESULTS
Retained by the host organization in a permanent role
Designed and implemented a long-term communications strategy
Increased visibility through 700+ media stories, including significant in-depth national coverage
Supported the growth of local climate journalism initiatives
“The fellowship showed me how strategic communications can shape climate action.”
— Fellow
From Emerging Professional to Climate Leader
THE CHALLENGE
A climate finance professional was seeking an opportunity to deepen her expertise and take on greater leadership responsibility. At the same time, her host organization needed additional capacity to manage increasingly complex sustainable finance projects and cross-institutional partnerships.
SURGE RESPONSE
Through the Climate Finance Fellowship, she was embedded within the organization to work directly on innovative finance initiatives. Over the course of the fellowship, she gained hands-on experience designing financing mechanisms, managing partnerships, and leading high-impact projects while strengthening the organization’s capacity.
THE IMPACT
The fellowship created value for both the organization and the fellow. Recognizing her contributions, the organization offered her a permanent leadership role.
RESULTS
Transitioned into a long-term leadership position
Retained within the climate sector
Developed specialized expertise in climate finance
Expanded the organization’s capacity to deliver complex finance projects
“The fellowship helped me identify the work that energizes me while building expertise aligned with my strengths.”
— Fellow
Preserving Critical Climate Science
THE CHALLENGE
Sweeping federal funding disruptions placed climate scientists’ positions at risk, threatening years of specialized expertise and the public resources they maintained. One research team faced the prospect of losing its ability to continue producing trusted climate information relied upon by many.
SURGE RESPONSE
Through the Climate Science Bridge Fellowship, Surge provided bridge funding that allowed the team to continue its work during a period of uncertainty and create an independent platform capable of preserving critical climate information outside the federal system.
THE IMPACT
The support preserved essential scientific expertise, ensured continuity of trusted resources, and enabled the launch of an independent platform dedicated to safeguarding climate information for the future.
RESULTS
Critical climate expertise retained
Climate information remained publicly accessible
Independent climate information platform launched
Later recognized nationally for its leadership and influence in climate communication
“The Bridge Fellowship gave us the time and stability needed to continue work that otherwise might have been lost.”
— Researcher
Turning Bridge Funding into Long-Term Impact
THE CHALLENGE
An experienced climate leader was preparing to launch an ambitious initiative focused on climate leadership and education when an unexpected funding gap threatened to derail the effort. Without short-term support, years of planning—and the opportunity to build a new organization—could have been lost.
SURGE RESPONSE
Surge’s Climate Career Bridge Fellowship provided flexible bridge funding at a pivotal moment, allowing the fellow to remain focused on building the organization instead of seeking unrelated employment. The fellowship also provided mentorship and connections that accelerated the initiative’s development.
THE IMPACT
With stability at the critical early stage, the organization secured major funding, built partnerships, and launched a new platform dedicated to developing climate leaders around the world.
RESULTS
$40,000 bridge fellowship awarded
More than $920,000 in follow-on funding secured within six months
New climate education organization successfully launched
Global university partnerships established to expand climate leadership training
“The fellowship gave me the stability, encouragement, and connections I needed at exactly the right moment.”
— Fellow