Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service (SFS) and The Earth Commons, Georgetown University’s Institute for Environment & Sustainability, welcome Sir Andrew Steer to the school’s faculty as a Distinguished Research Professor of the Practice in Environment and Economics on May 1. Steer most recently served as the president and CEO of the Bezos Earth Fund. He will focus on solutions to climate and nature challenges and their relationship with economy and human wellbeing. He will teach, write and advise SFS and The Earth Commons and lead joint initiatives.
“Andrew Steer is one of the most dynamic global leaders on one of the most important issues of our time. Throughout his long career on the international stage, he has promoted innovative solutions to many complex development challenges and inspired others to maximize their impact in the world,” said SFS Dean Joel Hellman. “I’m thrilled to have him join SFS.”
Prior to leading the Bezos Earth Fund, Steer was director general of the UK Department for International Development (DFID), the president and CEO of the World Resources Institute (WRI) and special envoy for climate change at the World Bank. He led key World Bank offices in some of the fastest growing countries in the world, including Vietnam and Indonesia.
Steer’s appointment comes as the master’s degree in Environment and International Affairs—jointly administered by SFS and The Earth Commons—enters its second year, and the undergraduate degree, the B.S. in Environment & Sustainability—offered jointly between The Earth Commons and the College of Arts & Sciences—graduates its first class. SFS also provides degree options for undergraduate and graduate students in the Science, Technology and International Affairs program and concentration.
“Andrew Steer brings a combination of global vision, practical leadership, and deep commitment to environmental progress,” said Dean Peter Marra of The Earth Commons. “His presence at Georgetown will help shape the next generation of sustainability leaders—and help sharpen our focus and identity—as we grow The Earth Commons into a top-tier School for the Environment.”
As CEO of the Earth Fund, Steer oversaw the world’s largest philanthropic fund for nature and climate. As director general at DFID, he played a central role in creating the International Growth Center at the London School of Economics. And at WRI, he was responsible for a number of influential international initiatives, including the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate, the NDC Partnership, the Global Commission on Adaptation and the System Change Lab.
“It’s a genuine honor to be joining two such important centers within one of the nation’s great universities,” said Steer. “SFS is ranked number one in the world as a school of foreign policy as it advances our understanding of international affairs and prepares the next generation of diplomats and international leaders. And the Earth Commons is brimming with potential as it wrestles with one of the defining issues of our times. The missions of SFS and the Earth Commons are more vital than ever and deeply linked. I can’t wait to start!”
In 2024, Steer was knighted by King Charles III of the United Kingdom in recognition of “his sustained contribution as one of the world’s best-known practice-based leaders in global sustainable development economics, with a focus on climate change and poverty reduction.” In the same year, he was also named by Forbes as one of the world’s 50 most impactful climate leaders, an honor that was recognized in the publication’s inaugural Sustainability Leaders list.
He was educated at St Andrews University, the University of Pennsylvania and Cambridge University. He has a Ph.D. in economics and finance.