Our strategic direction is shaped by three interrelated strands:

1. Tackling the Climate Crisis

The Institute is deeply engaged in addressing the urgent challenges posed by the climate crisis, with a particular focus on the interconnectedness of ecological, ethical, and policy dimensions. We investigate critical issues such as tipping points in regional ecological systems, recognising that the crossing of these thresholds can lead to irreversible environmental change with profound consequences for both human and non-human life. Our research explores the ethical implications of biodiversity loss, not only in terms of species extinction but also in relation to the disruption of ecological processes and the erosion of ecosystem services that underpin human well-being.

A distinctive aspect of our work is the inclusion of non-human moral patients in discussions of climate justice. We argue that animals and other sentient beings, as well as entire ecosystems, must be recognised as stakeholders in climate policy, deserving of protection and consideration in decision-making processes. This perspective challenges the traditional anthropocentric focus of climate ethics and calls for a more inclusive and compassionate approach to environmental governance.

At our recent Cambridge conference, we brought together leading scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to develop practical policy recommendations aimed at mitigating climate change and promoting ecological resilience. Key proposals included the adoption of sustainable forestry practices to preserve carbon sinks and biodiversity, the protection and restoration of regional ecological systems to maintain their integrity and adaptive capacity, and the advocacy for the recognition of ecocide as an international crime under the Statute of Rome. By promoting the criminalisation of large-scale environmental destruction, we seek to hold perpetrators accountable and to establish a powerful legal deterrent against actions that threaten the stability of the planet’s life-support systems.

Through these initiatives, the Institute aims to catalyse a shift towards more ethical, science-based, and forward-thinking climate policy - one that acknowledges our responsibilities not only to present and future generations of humans, but to the entire community of life on Earth.

2. Supporting Animal Welfare

The Institute is at the forefront of efforts to strengthen animal welfare governance in the UK. For example, we are establishing a coalition comprising academics, lawyers, and politicians to advocate for the creation of a Governmental Animal Protection Commission (APC). This proposed body would address the current fragmentation and inconsistency in animal welfare oversight by consolidating the responsibilities of existing entities, such as the Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) and the Animal Sentience Committee (ASC). Unlike these advisory committees, which primarily provide expert opinions and recommendations, the APC would be endowed with legislative and regulatory authority, enabling it to implement meaningful reforms and ensure comprehensive, enforceable animal welfare standards across all sectors. By embedding animal protection as a core governmental objective and providing a dedicated institutional home for animal welfare auditing and policy scrutiny, the APC would represent a transformative step towards a more coherent, accountable, and effective system of animal welfare governance in the UK.

3. Addressing Human Development and Poverty

We are committed to addressing human development and poverty, especially in Africa. For example, our ‘Driving Innovation in Malawi’ initiative advances community resource management and champions climate-smart agriculture, human capital development, technology transfer, and inclusive growth. This project is designed to attract a diverse range of academics, practitioners, and policymakers, and to reflect Malawi’s dynamic innovation landscape and evolving development priorities.

Malawi is undergoing a rapid digital and economic transformation, with major investments in digital public infrastructure, skills development, and climate-resilient agriculture. Our work aligns with national strategies to strengthen human capital, improve educational and health outcomes, and foster sustainable livelihoods. By supporting collaborative research, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building, the initiative aims to empower local communities, promote equitable access to new technologies, and drive sustainable economic growth. In doing so, we seek to help Malawi realise its vision of inclusive development, climate resilience, and improved well-being for all citizens.

Conclusion

At the Schweitzer Institute, we explore what it means for humans to live in right relationship with Earth’s life-systems. Our approach moves beyond utilitarianism to foster a deeper and more holistic understanding of conservation and environmental stewardship. We advocate a shift from viewing nature solely in terms of its usefulness, to recognising the inherent worth of all living beings, regardless of their instrumental utility to humanity.

We believe the Schweitzer Institute can play a pivotal role in building the ethical foundations for a sustainable and compassionate society. This is a complex task, requiring a combination of scholarship, activism, policy advocacy, personal commitment, environmental stewardship, and ethical leadership. By integrating these elements, we hope to help steer society towards valuing the interconnectedness of life, fostering compassion, and taking responsibility for the planet we call home.