OUr STORY

Born in Geneva, Chris is the founder of AwareNearth and a former Swiss diplomat with over 25 years of experience at the intersection of environment and society. His work has taken him to more than 100 countries, responding to natural and man-made crises and working with organizations such as the Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs, the World Bank, the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and Doctors Without Borders.

With academic training in agronomy, ecology, environmental ethics, renewable energy, and sustainable development (Engr., M.Sc., M.A.), Chris has dedicated his career to understanding the complex relationship between people and the planet. In recent years, he has also served as Senior Advisor to the American Geophysical Union, focusing on climate change and scientific ethics, and has continued research on the risks and potential of emerging technologies such as climate intervention.

The idea for AwareNearth grew from both professional and personal turning points. After decades of confronting crises and witnessing the fragility of our systems and resilience of people, Chris saw the urgent need for a new way of engaging with the future — one that is not only informed by science but also driven by empathy, creativity, and collective purpose. The birth of his daughter made this mission deeply personal, fueling his commitment to help current and future generations find resilience and hope in the face of existential threats.

Through AwareNearth, Chris has developed a unique methodology that blends science, art, and emotion to bridge generations and inspire a shared vision for a sustainable future.