Andrew Steer Closed Now

Early Life and Education

Andrew Steer was born in the United Kingdom and has dedicated his career to tackling some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. He holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Sussex. His academic foundation in development economics has shaped his approach to sustainable infrastructure and climate policy, combining economic viability with environmental responsibility.

Career Beginnings

Steer began his career at the World Bank in the 1980s, focusing on development economics, poverty reduction, and sustainable growth. His early assignments took him to East Asia and Africa, where he worked on rural development, infrastructure planning, and environmental protection projects. These experiences cemented his belief that infrastructure must be both economically sound and environmentally sustainable.

World Bank Leadership Roles

Over nearly three decades at the World Bank, Steer held key leadership positions, including Director of Environment and Director for Indonesia. He was instrumental in integrating environmental considerations into infrastructure investment decisions, advocating for renewable energy, sustainable transport, and climate-resilient urban planning.

President and CEO of World Resources Institute (WRI)

In 2012, Steer became the President and CEO of the World Resources Institute, a leading global research organization focused on environment, climate, and development. Under his leadership, WRI expanded its work on sustainable cities, clean energy transitions, and the restoration of degraded land.
He championed partnerships between governments, businesses, and communities to promote infrastructure that reduces emissions, protects biodiversity, and fosters inclusive growth.

CEO of Bezos Earth Fund

In 2021, Steer was appointed CEO of the Bezos Earth Fund, overseeing a $10 billion philanthropic commitment to address climate change and protect nature. In this role, he directs significant funding toward sustainable infrastructure projects, including renewable energy deployment, zero-carbon transportation networks, and regenerative agriculture systems. His strategy focuses on accelerating scalable solutions that can be implemented globally within the next decade.

Advocacy for Sustainable Infrastructure

Steer is a vocal advocate for transforming infrastructure systems to meet the twin challenges of climate mitigation and adaptation. He emphasizes the need for investment in green buildings, resilient water management systems, low-carbon public transit, and renewable-powered energy grids.
He often warns that infrastructure built today will define environmental outcomes for decades, making immediate action critical.

Publications and Thought Leadership

As a respected economist and environmental strategist, Steer has authored numerous reports, policy briefs, and opinion pieces on sustainable development, climate resilience, and infrastructure finance. His commentaries frequently appear in leading publications such as The Guardian, Financial Times, and Nature.

Awards and Recognition

Steer has been recognized by global institutions for his leadership in sustainability, including honors from the United Nations, World Economic Forum, and various climate coalitions.

Legacy and Impact

Steer’s legacy lies in connecting finance, policy, and science to deliver sustainable infrastructure on a global scale. His leadership at both WRI and the Bezos Earth Fund has mobilized billions in funding for climate-friendly projects, influencing the way governments and corporations think about infrastructure planning.