Overview
Leave it in the Ground Initiative (LINGO) is a non-profit climate advocacy organisation established in the mid-2010s in Europe. It was formed in response to the growing gap between global climate targets and continued expansion of fossil fuel extraction. The organisation’s core philosophy is that meeting the Paris Agreement goals requires keeping significant fossil fuel reserves unextracted. LINGO operates internationally, engaging with policy, finance and civil society actors. Its work is grounded in evidence-based analysis and public interest advocacy rather than commercial activity.
Mission and focus areas
LINGO’s mission is to stop new fossil fuel extraction and accelerate a managed decline of existing production. It focuses on aligning energy systems, public policy and financial flows with climate science and carbon budget constraints. Key thematic areas include fossil fuel phase-out strategies, climate finance alignment, and accountability for large-scale fossil fuel expansion projects. The organisation contributes to sustainable finance debates by highlighting climate-related financial risks, stranded asset implications and the incompatibility of new fossil investments with net zero pathways.
Structure and governance
LINGO operates as an independent, non-profit organisation with a small core team and defined leadership. It is registered in Europe and works through a combination of internal staff and external collaborators. Governance is structured around clear organisational roles rather than complex institutional layers. The organisation also engages in partnerships with other civil society groups, research organisations and advocacy networks to amplify its work.
Programs and offerings
LINGO produces research reports, policy briefings and analytical commentary focused on fossil fuel expansion and climate risk. Its outputs are designed to inform policymakers, investors, journalists and advocacy organisations. The organisation also contributes to international climate forums, including UN climate processes, through events, submissions and public engagement. Its work is valued for translating complex climate science and financial risk concepts into accessible analysis relevant for decision-makers in finance and sustainability fields.
Our mission
Our mission is guided by a simple principle: Leave fossil fuels in the ground and learn to live without them. If you want to solve a problem, you should go to its root. With climate change, the root is the burning of fossil fuels. This fossil age has to come to an end quickly in order to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. We know that complete decarbonization has to be swiftly accomplished over the next decade or two and that good living with zero fossils is definitely possible, so let’s make it happen!
