Amy Davidsen awarded with the Ordre national du Mérite by France July 23rd 2021

Ms. Davidsen’s life’s work directly reflects France’s mission of building a more sustainable future. Her philanthropy in the investment sector and focus on innovation for environment-friendly development pushes countries, businesses, and individuals to become leaders and innovators against climate change.

So how did she earn such excellence in her field and develop such a powerful, forward-looking vision?

Nature has always been an important part of her identity, even as a child. Born in Connecticut, she grew up in the Northeast of the United States, where she was surrounded by rolling green hills, meandering streams, and dramatic shorelines. Not to mention the incredible colors of the foliage each Fall!

But she also had an affinity for numbers, so after earning a degree in Mathematics, she decided to enter the financial sector. This was in the 1980s, when this sector was (and of course still is) a very male-dominated environment that had conservative values. So rather than head for Wall Street directly, she took a position with the Women’s World Banking organization, an organization that gives financial support to a global network of microfinance institutions. These institutions in turn, give credit to low-income entrepreneurs in the developing world, with a particular focus on women. So, while she decided to be a banker, she was already committed to making positive changes in the world around her as well. And she did, as the financial director for the Women’s World Banking organization, she made it possible for hundreds of women entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams and become financially independent.

Then in 1990, she went to work for a more mainstream financial firm, JP Morgan Chase, one of the leading investments banks and financial services companies in the United States. And she brought with her the commitment to progressive change. Originally a portfolio manager, she went on to become a philanthropic advisor for ten years. In this role, she advised her clients on environmental philanthropy, micro-credit, and human rights, tying her childhood connection with nature to the investment world, and showing her clients how they could make money while still holding on to their core values and their love of the planet.

As her knowledge of the financial sector grew, she realized that the perception of risk and the environment needed to change there, so that the focus was no longer just on the short term. This is why, in 2004, she helped to create and then directed the Office of Environmental Affairs at JP Morgan Chase. As the director of this office, she worked to increase the firm’s focus on the environment and societal risk, using her 18 of experience advising philanthropists to promote more sustainable practices. As the director of the Office of Environmental Affairs, she helped one of the leading investments banks and financial services companies in the United States, promote an important message: that sustainable practices and policies are not only important for our future, but also profitable and achievable.

Unfortunately, her career at JP Morgan Chase came to an end with the financial crisis of 2008. As she rightfully saw it, this crisis took environmental advocacy out of the limelight in the investment sector for some time. Looking to continue to promote sustainability, she went to work for the Climate Group, one of the most influential international non-profits aiming to curb global warming.

As director for the group’s North American branch, she built on its mission to accelerate the transition to green-energy, mobilizing key business and government leaders to make that happen. The Climate Group works independently from any company or government entity, allowing it to promote environmental best-practice across different sectors and around the world. Since its creation in 2004, it has been supported by major philanthropic associations such as the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, the DOEN Foundation (John D and Catherine T MacArthur Foundation, and the HSBC Climate Partnership.

Amy Davidsen, as leader of the Climate Group’s North American branch, she has spearheaded major initiatives. For example, she has collaborated with the Under2 Coalition to bring together regional governments committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050. In 2018, this coalition had already brought together 220 governments, totaling 1.3 billion people and 43% of the world economy. France is among the countries to have nationally endorsed the Coalition and its mission. The Climate Group also organizes the global RE100, EP100, EV100 initiatives to support pioneering companies that are committed to moving towards renewable energy and reducing their fossil fuel consumption.

Here in New York, she has played a major role: she helped conceive and establish Climate Week NYC in partnership with the United Nations, the city of New York, and the French Consulate. She oversees the organization of this event each year, which is held at the United Nations General Assembly. It brings together business, political, and civil society leaders from across the world to discuss solutions to global warming. During Climate Week; NYC also hosts events to support the Paris climate agreement and fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals that were set by the United Nations. In 2017, Climate Week NYC resulted in 140 events across New York City in support of a better, more sustainable world.
Today, she continues this initiative while also reaching out to the wider population, which has to be mobilized if we want to transition to greener practices. In 2011, she presented a TedTalk at a Michigan TEDx conference, speaking about the many opportunities offered by the current green revolution, including possible investments in clean energy.

Her commitment to the struggle for cleaner energy and a sustainable future parallels of our country, France, we are honored to work with her on these goals, and humbled by her longstanding action on behalf of such an essential mission. For this reason, it is a real pleasure and an honor to welcome her to the French Order of Merit. The Order of Merit was created by President Charles de Gaulle, to recognize men and women who have accomplished exceptional deeds for France and its people.
In view of her contributions to the ecological fight for the energy transition, which reflects the commitment of French policies in this regard, the Consulate General of France supports the nomination of Amy Davidsen to the rank of Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite.