Life as we know it is under threat, and the right investments could save our children from a dying planet. This is Cristina Mittermeier’s crucial message – whether you choose to invest time, effort, or money into protecting your legacy. Julius Baer had the privilege of welcoming Cristina to our 2026 Sustainability Week in Switzerland, where she shared striking insights. 

In her own words, Cristina is first and foremost an artist – and her artwork carries a living, breathing message for us all. As a National Geographic Explorer and marine biologist, she has decades of experience in the world’s most exciting environments. Her resulting Emmy award-winning photography bridges the gap between beauty and urgency – and today, she hopes this urgency reaches all of our readers, be they investors, entrepreneurs, or the recipients of wealth.

The desire for legacy is powerful – let it drive you

Many wealthy individuals express the desire to make an impact, and this urge spans all age ranges: from young inheritors to older business owners who have stepped back.  Often, it is a change in circumstance that sparks this deep need. Clients, for example, may find themselves at a crossroads, perhaps with more resources. They seek purpose and direction – and this is where consciously aligning investments with values can guide the way. 

During her interview with Julius Baer, Cristina identifies this desire for impact and its connection to legacy, often seen in her advocacy efforts: “There is a growing movement, especially among young people, and people that are the recipients of this massive wealth transfer that's happening right now. They are less interested in questions like, ‘What's your overhead, and what's your ROI, your KPIs’. They're more interested in seeing real impact on the ground.”

This shift in perspective is also prevalent among our clients, and Head of Sustainability Yvonne Suter sees Julius Baer playing a key role in guiding those embarking on this journey. “It’s about supporting our clients, not only in managing their wealth, but in aligning it with what matters most to them - their values, priorities, and long-term aspirations across generations.” 

Nowadays, clients can see their purpose-driven investments as an extension of their life story, acting as a tangible legacy that can be felt for generations. Hendrik Kuhl, Julius Baer’s Head of Wealth Planning Germany, has seen this first-hand.

One client, for instance, had spent much of their working life committed to medical research, and this shaped how they wanted their wealth used in the future. Hendrik explains: “They want to know that the wealth they’ve accumulated is spent on prolonging this research, so they set up a vehicle to provide funds to others. It’s like they’re prolonging their own life story.” This kind of passion applies to a range of interests and missions.

Don’t think in years – think in decades and centuries 

“Many of our clients - entrepreneurs and families - think in generations, not quarters,” explains Yvonne. “What matters to them is not only what they build, but what they pass on. Sustainability is about enabling those conversations.”

For Cristina, the changing attitude among young wealth holders is critical – and it must be encouraged and celebrated. As any good investor knows, a long-term horizon is crucial. And for wealthy families, this long-term vision is the only way to protect a legacy. Succession plans need to stand the test of time, taking into account any external shocks that may occur. 

Just as wealth structures can protect the next generation, so too can investments protect our planet against climate change. The new recipients of wealth are keen to use their power for this cause, as Cristina adds: “They really want to put their funds to work for a better planet - because you cannot eat money and we cannot do business on a dead planet. They understand that.”

It can be difficult to know where to start – but you don’t need to be a perfect activist or advocate.  Cristina urges readers to use whatever power they have, even if they feel it’s not enough: “I want my children to look back and know – 100 years from now, my grandchildren – that when we knew this was happening, I was on the frontlines doing everything I could, even though I wasn’t an expert. Conservation is a long game. It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. And it requires that kind of multi-generational thinking.”

Put your legacy plan into action 

For individuals and families seeking to deploy their wealth with purpose and create a lasting positive impact on society and the environment, a range of opportunities exists. Beyond traditional sustainable investment funds, impact investing and venture capital are attracting growing interest from private investors who want their capital to contribute to meaningful change. These approaches can provide diversified exposure and long-term return potential while supporting innovative solutions to social and environmental challenges. 

Philanthropy also remains a powerful and rewarding avenue for those looking to make a tangible difference. Caroline Piraud, Julius Baer’s Head of Philanthropy, sees several ways to start making an impact. First, ask yourself: ‘What do I have to give?’. Caroline then suggests a ‘Four-T’ approach for identifying your resources: time, talent, treasure, and ties. For example, offering up your presence and unique skills can be just as valuable as financial support. Read more on the ‘Four-T’ approach here. 

Cristina also sees a multitude of ways to get involved – even if it’s by using your voice to influence your network. After all, Cristina herself is no stranger to the power and challenges of forming a strong coalition. Together with Paul Nicklen and Andy Mann, Cristina co-founded SeaLegacy: the global marketing, education, and communication agency for the ocean. 

Led by a passionate team of world-class filmmakers, conservationists and photographers, its mission is to use strategic communications at the intersection of art, science, and conservation: “We started SeaLegacy with a singular goal of telling the ocean’s story.” 

This coalition survives on teamwork and a shared vision – something many new philanthropists require when trying to motivate their network. On creating an impactful community, Cristina adds: “Communication is key. It’s all about human relationships and tapping into the expertise, passion, and kindness of others.”

“Nobody wants to be part of a movement that's destined to fail,” she cautions. “You need to paint a picture of the possibility. And I like to imagine a planet that's alive, where our children get to see living whales and living coral reefs instead of dead ones. And I believe that is possible, but it requires serious investment and serious philanthropy.”

Cristina’s closing advice for investors

And for those keen to invest in climate resilience, Cristina offers some key tips: “It's about surrendering your ego and understanding that you're just one cog in the wheel. It's a big puzzle where everybody has a role to play. The financier, investor, philanthropist, conservationist, scientist, NGO, the Indigenous people, the women's group. It requires everybody participating from their own expertise and platform to make the thing work.” 

Hope also plays a significant role. “It's a little bit of a leap of faith, and it's something that takes a long time. Sometimes, people invest in something, and their beneficiaries are not even born yet. Conservation is the same. We are investing in the future of the planet, and we may not live to see the fruit of our labour.”

Of the risks facing Earth, she adds: “We don't know what happens next. So, the best thing we can do is prevent it. And the way that we prevent it is by investing in protecting nature.”