U.S. State Department And Bloomberg Philanthropies Announce Support For The Subnational Climate Action Leaders’ Exchange

Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt – Today, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry and Michael R. Bloomberg, Special Envoy to the UN Secretary-General on Climate Ambition and Solutions and Founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies, jointly announced the launch of the Subnational Climate Action Leaders’ Exchange (SCALE), a first–of-its-kind initiative to support cities, states, and regions in the development and implementation of net-zero, climate-resilient targets and roadmaps.

“We need to take an ‘all-in’ approach to keep 1.5°C within reach and accelerate adaptation,” said U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry.  “Cities, states, and regions are going to play a critical role on climate in this decisive decade, and this initiative will help speed and scale those efforts.” 

“To meet our Paris goals and build a resilient clean energy economy, leaders at all levels of government must work hand-in-hand,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, UN Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions. “This new initiative supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies and the State Department will enable greater collaboration between cities, states, regions, and national governments and empower subnational actors to aim even higher. The faster we make progress, the sooner we’ll improve public health, save lives, and strengthen our economy.”

SCALE will empower subnational champions to drive ambition at the national and international level and will leverage action and advocacy organized around a set of high-level thematic and sectoral goals needed to keep a 1.5-aligned, climate-resilient future within reach. The initiative will expand the number of subnational entities committed to ambitious climate targets; connect them to relevant tools and resources and support the development of additional programs and technical assistance; showcase the efforts of leading cities, states, and regions and facilitate peer-to-peer exchange and capacity building; and promote multi-level and cross-sector dialogue, including opportunities to mobilize finance for subnational action at scale. 

In its first phase, it will focus on accelerating implementation of the Global Methane Pledge and its call for a 30% reduction in methane emissions by 2030. 

The State Department intends to provide $1.5 million in support of SCALE, subject to Congressional notification and the completion of domestic procedures, which will be matched by $1.5 million from Bloomberg Philanthropies. 

# # #

About Bloomberg Philanthropies
Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 941 cities and 173 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on five key areas for creating lasting change: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a pro bono consultancy that works in cities around the world. In 2021, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $1.66 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACTS: 
Bloomberg Philanthropies
Daphne Wang – daphne@bloomberg.org 

State Department
ClimateComms@state.gov