This month we’re shining our spotlight on Chase Keenan, who brings sharp strategic thinking and deep climate expertise to every collaboration. As an engagement manager at GHV, Chase helps partners navigate complex policy landscapes, align advocacy strategies, and push for real progress on climate adaptation.
Chase’s path into climate work started close to home: “As a Floridian, I first learned about the existential threat that climate change poses to my home while I was in university. That realization set me on the path I’m still on today.” Since then, Chase has worked with organizations including the World Bank, the Rockefeller Foundation, USAID, the Gates Foundation and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
As we look ahead to milestones like COP30, Chase sees opportunity to make progress on adaptation. “This year, countries are expected to update their Nationally Determined Contributions to the Paris Agreement – essentially, their national plans to cut emissions through 2035,” he explains. “Unfortunately, it looks like the global community will continue to fall short of the 1.5°C target. But that failure on mitigation makes the case for adaptation even stronger.”
Pointing to the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) as one of the most promising recent developments, Chase says, “Parties are working to agree on a set of indicators to measure adaptation progress – a necessary step toward real accountability. As these discussions conclude later this year, attention will turn to implementation – and ideally, real, tangible progress on adaptation that will help save lives.”
Despite the grim reality of rising temperatures, Chase is not without hope: “The U.S. made headlines again this year for withdrawing from the Paris Agreement – but other actors have stepped in to fill the leadership vacuum. Brazil is demonstrating tremendous leadership as the president of COP this year, and here in the U.S., a number of cities and states have revoiced their commitment to climate action.”
A recent highlight for Chase was facilitating a two-day convening in Bonn, Germany with a network of climate adaptation advocacy and communications partners. “It was our fourth time bringing this group together,” says Chase. “The energy and passion they bring to the table – the debates, the shared learning, the new ideas that emerge – it’s always a highlight of my year.”
When asked what keeps him engaged at GHV, Chase doesn’t hesitate: “It’s working with dedicated partners who are in this for the long haul. People who care deeply about making smart, lasting change.”
Outside of work, Chase is a self-described man of many hobbies. “Summertime is for kickball and flag football, kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking with my dog, Wolfgang. I’m also really into music – I try to carve out time every day to play piano or guitar. It keeps me grounded.”
Whether he’s facilitating conversations or helping partners move from strategy to action – Chase brings insight and purpose to everything he does, and we are grateful to have him on our team.
