[1] While completing her master's degree at the University of Cape Town (2001), she discovered a latitudinal pattern of die-off of quiver trees (Aloidendron dichotomum) suggesting that climate change could be to blame.
Foden spent much of 2001–2003 surveying Quiver Trees in Namibia and the arid regions of western South Africa and set up long term monitoring to track changes.
In this capacity she played leading roles in establishing atlasing and conservation assessment programs for plants,[6] reptiles,[7] butterflies[8] and arachnids.
Foden carries out a range of activities to raise awareness about climate change impacts on biodiversity, including through talks and seminars.
[14] Foden has been a steering committee member of the IUCN Species Survival Commission Climate Change Specialist Group for many years,[15] and is a Trustee of the Environment Africa Trust.