When discussing climate change, a crucial aspect often gets overlooked: the significant health benefits that come with reducing fossil fuel consumption. The pollution from coal, oil, and natural gas not only contributes to respiratory diseases like asthma and lung cancer but also exacerbates strokes, heart disease, and premature death.
Fine particulate matter produced by combustion has been linked to an increased risk of kidney disease, diabetes, preterm birth, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s. Moreover, a warming planet poses numerous health risks on its own. Extreme weather events like heat waves increase the risk of death among older adults and infants, while infectious diseases like malaria, dengue, Vibrio, and tick-borne illnesses thrive in warmer conditions, spreading their reach towards the poles.
A Shift in Focus: RA Capital’s Planetary Health Fund
In an effort to address this crisis, RA Capital has established a Planetary Health fund, focusing on investments that tackle the root cause of many diseases. Kyle Teamey, managing partner for planetary health at RA Capital, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing environmental health alongside traditional life sciences.
"If we can’t make people healthier in the face of these catastrophic threats, then what’s the point of all our other work?" Teamey asks.
A Comprehensive Approach: Investing Across the Startup Life Cycle
The Planetary Health fund will invest across the startup life cycle, from early-stage to growth, allowing RA Capital to support a wide range of projects and innovations. This comprehensive approach is less common in the climate tech space, where funds often focus on specific sectors or stages.
"We’re intentional about being complementary with other funds in the marketplace," Teamey explains. "This will allow us to collaborate with a range of firms, creating a more cohesive ecosystem."
A New Era of Collaboration: Filling a Gap in the Climate Tech Space
By investing across the startup life cycle, RA Capital aims to fill a gap in the climate tech space. This type of teamwork is surprisingly common in climate tech and could explain why the sector continues to buck industry trends.
As Tim De Chant notes, "The sector’s resilience may stem from its collaborative nature, with funds like RA Capital working together to accelerate innovation and tackle the pressing challenges of our time."
A Beacon of Hope: The Impact of RA Capital’s Planetary Health Fund
While it’s difficult to estimate the fund’s impact without knowing its size, given RA Capital’s longevity and success in life sciences, it’s unlikely they’ll settle for anything less than significant. With a focus on comprehensive solutions and collaboration, RA Capital’s Planetary Health fund has the potential to drive meaningful change in the fight against climate change.
As the world grapples with the consequences of environmental degradation, RA Capital’s commitment to planetary health offers a beacon of hope for a healthier, more sustainable future.
