Environment United Kingdom

Big pharma accused of ‘free-riding on nature’ as global fund attracts just $7,000

The Cali Fund, set up to raise $1bn a year for biodiversity from drug companies, remains near empty Big pharmaceutical companies have been accused of…

By The News Engine Desk Based on reporting by The Guardian

22 Oct 2026, 14:30 IST Updated 1 hour ago 1 min read 0 views

Image accompanying the story: Big pharma accused of ‘free-riding on nature’ as global fund attracts just $7,000 — Image: Photograph: Rebecca Cole/The Guardian · via The Guardian

The Guardian reports that the Cali Fund, set up to raise $1bn a year for biodiversity from drug companies, remains near empty Big pharmaceutical companies have been accused of “free-riding on nature”, after a landmark biodiversity fund that invites businesses to put some of their profits back into conservation was left virtually empty.

But more than 18 months after the fund was launched, it remains far below this target.

This environment story centres on the United Kingdom.

Why it matters

Developments affecting the environment are closely tied to public health, economies and how communities prepare for change.

Key details

Location: United Kingdom · Europe
Reported by: The Guardian
First reported: 22 Oct 2026, 14:30 IST
Key names: Cali Fund
Section: Environment
Figure cited: The Cali Fund set out to raise $1bn (£750m) annually, by asking companies that profit from nature’s genetics to contribute towards conservation in low-income countries. (The Guardian)