Climate change is set to cause 250,000 additional annual deaths between 2030 and 2050. Notably, many of these deaths are not a direct result of climate stresses or natural disasters. Instead, many will be indirect, exacerbated threats like vector-borne diseases or climate-related comorbidities. The climate crisis is increasingly and dangerously ubiquitous. Therefore, effective and systemic responses to the climate crisis can protect lives, livelihoods, ecosystems, and cultures.
Recognizing the need to raise the profile on climate risk, the Climate Resilience Center began the ambassadorial initiative. Since the first appointment at COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, the center has expanded its work with internationally recognized leaders. They have supported global events, provided technical advisory support, and driven international conversations on resilience. Their advocacy is essential to the center, as their reputation and leadership amplifies their efforts to drive systemic change.
Climate Resilience Ambassadors
Jane Gilbert
Chief Heat Ambassador
Appointed 2025
Jane Gilbert leverages her expertise as the world’s first Chief Heat Officer to advocate for heat resilience across the United States. She served as Chief Resilience Officer and then as Chief Heat Officer for Miami-Dade County, United States. She provides technical advisory support to Climate Resilience Center programming, and advocates for urban heat solutions that build individual and community resilience.
Mahmoud Mohieldin
Climate Finance Ambassador
Appointed 2026
Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin is a global economist and UN Special Envoy on Financing Sustainable Development, with over thirty years of experience in international finance and development. He leads the UN Secretary-General’s expert group on debt solutions and previously served as IMF Executive Director, World Bank Senior Vice President, Egypt’s first Minister of Investment, and the COP27 UN Climate Change High-Level Champion.
Ambassadors Emeritus
Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton
Global Ambassador for Heat, Health, and Gender
2023-2024
Hillary Rodham Clinton, 67th United States Secretary of State, supported efforts to raise awareness about the impacts of climate-driven extreme heat, focusing on the disproportionate health-related risks to women and girls. Her ambassadorship for the Climate Resilience Center focused on highlighting effective gender-responsive solutions and advocating for increased investments that meet the needs of the most vulnerable women and girls.
Felipe Calderón
Global Ambassador for Heat Action
2022-2024
At COP27, Felipe Calderón, former President of Mexico, as the first Global Ambassador for Heat Action, was appointed as the first ambassador for the center. As Global Ambassador for Heat Action, Calderón advocated for increased global focus and investment in adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate-driven extreme heat.
