Larry Linden (also known as Lawrence H. Linden) is a remarkable figure whose career spans high finance, government policy, and environmental philanthropy. Best known as a former General Partner and Managing Director at Goldman Sachs, Linden has since dedicated much of his life to climate advocacy and conservation through the Linden Trust for Conservation.

This article explores his background, career trajectory, and his influence in shaping market-based environmental solutions.

Who Is Larry Linden?

Larry Linden earned a BSE from Princeton University, followed by a SM and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from MIT.

He worked in the Carter Administration on technology and environmental regulatory policy, before moving into management consulting at McKinsey & Co. Later, he spent a significant part of his career at Goldman Sachs, where he was a Partner and Managing Director.

Transition to Conservation: Linden Trust for Conservation

In 2006, Linden founded the Linden Trust for Conservation (now known as Advocates for Climate Innovation) to leverage his financial expertise for environmental causes.

He believed in market-based solutions to climate change: not just donations, but structured investments into long-term conservation.

One of his signature ideas has been the concept of Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) , drawing on Wall Street-style deal-making to fund protected areas and conservation projects so they can be maintained in perpetuity.

Key Roles & Contributions

Wall Street & Business

• In Goldman Sachs, he held senior roles including head of information technology and treasury operations.

• He helped to shape Goldman’s first environmental policy.

Public Service

• Served in the White House under President Carter, working on energy, transportation, and environmental policy.

Philanthropy & Conservation

• Under Linden’s leadership, the Linden Trust supported groundbreaking conservation projects, such as massive rainforest protection in Brazil.

• He has pushed for a revenue-neutral carbon tax as a practical way to reduce emissions.

• Board experience: Linden is a former Chair of both World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Resources for the Future.

• He advises Redstone Strategy Group, bringing pro bono support for conservation and economic development.

Philosophy: Hands-On, Strategic Philanthropy

Unlike what he calls “checkbook philanthropy” , simply writing large checks , Linden advocates for deep, strategic engagement.

Some key points of his philosophy:

• Use financial tools and market mechanisms to support environmental goals.

• Structure projects so that conservation becomes financially sustainable.

• Promote bipartisan climate policy, such as a carbon price, rather than relying solely on regulation.

• Engage directly with conservation initiatives, site visits, and project design , not just giving money.

Impact & Legacy

Major Achievement: Amazon & Rainforest Conservation

One of Linden’s most notable successes was supporting the Amazon Region Protected Areas (ARPA) program via the Linden Trust.  This project is considered among the largest tropical forest protection efforts ever funded, using his PFP approach to lock in long-term financing.

Climate Advocacy

Linden is vocal about the need for strong, practical climate policy. At a talk at MIT, he urged for market-based reforms like a carbon tax to internalize environmental costs.

Leadership in Conservation

His board roles and advisory work (e.g., with WWF, Redstone Strategy, Resources for the Future) mean he continues to influence environmental strategy globally.

Why Larry Linden Matters Today

• Bridging Finance & Conservation: His career shows how Wall Street tools can be repurposed for environmental good.

• Policy Innovation: He is deeply involved in policy ideas (like carbon pricing) that are politically viable and economically sophisticated.

• Long-Term Thinking: Through PFP and other initiatives, he emphasizes sustainability , not just short-term wins.

• Role Model for Philanthropy: His hands-on, engaged model provides a roadmap for other wealthy individuals who want systemic impact, not just donating.

Criticisms and Challenges

• Market-Based Approach vs Regulation: Some critics argue that relying too much on financial mechanisms may underplay the importance of strict regulation or government-led climate action.

• Scale & Replication: Big projects (like ARPA) require massive funds and collaboration , replicating them globally is not trivial.

• Political Resistance: Proposals like carbon taxes face huge political obstacles, especially in polarized governance systems.

Conclusion

Larry Linden is a rare example of someone who successfully transitioned from finance to activism, leveraging his Wall Street experience to protect the planet. By founding the Linden Trust for Conservation, he combined strategic investment thinking with deep environmental commitment.

His work ,  especially around market-based climate solutions and long-term conservation financing , continues to influence how we think about saving ecosystems in a sustainable, scalable way. In an age of climate crisis, voices and models like his are more important than ever.

FAQs

1. Who is Larry Linden?
Larry Linden (Lawrence H. Linden) is a former Goldman Sachs executive turned environmental philanthropist, founder of the Linden Trust for Conservation.

2. What is the Linden Trust for Conservation?
It’s an organization founded by Linden in 2006 that supports market-based solutions for conservation, such as long-term financing for protected areas.

3. What does Larry Linden advocate for in climate policy?
He strongly supports a revenue-neutral carbon tax or equivalent market mechanisms to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

4. How did he use his finance background for environmental work?
He applies investment principles to conservation, creating structured deals (Project Finance for Permanence) that fund environmental protection in a sustainable, scalable way.

5. What are his major achievements?
A key achievement is helping structure the Amazon Region Protected Areas (ARPA) program, one of the largest tropical forest protections ever financed

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