190: Empowering Conservation with Brett Jenks: Rare’s Global Impact on Climate and Sustainability
In this episode, we talk to Brett Jenks, who leads Rare, a global organization empowering communities to protect and manage natural resources sustainably. As CEO, he has driven initiatives like Fish Forever—the world’s largest coastal fishery recovery effort—and has blended behavioral science with community-led conservation, expanding the organization’s reach to over 60 countries to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable agriculture. He has also extended this work into the for-profit sector with The Meloy Fund. Additionally, he is a Catto Fellow, Braddock Scholar, McNulty Prize laureate, and trustee of the Grantham Trust. His commitment to our planet has earned him global recognition, including the Rose-Walters Prize for Environmental Activism.
During this episode, we explore Rare’s innovative approach to conservation, including how behavioral science and community-led efforts are transforming global environmental action. We discuss lessons from partnerships, the role of impact investing, and the potential of tech innovations like the EverForest game. Plus, we uncover practical steps listeners can take to support conservation and examine the decisions that have shaped Rare’s impact under his leadership.
Links from the episodes:
180: 1% for the Planet: Pioneering Global Environmental Solutions with Kate Williams
Where can people find Brett and Rare?
KEY TAKE AWAY
“People change when they see other people change.”