Environment
Taking action to protect the planet
Mike Bloomberg has long been a global leader in the fight against climate change, from his pioneering work as mayor of New York City to his leadership as the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions. Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Climate & Environment program is at the forefront of U.S. and global efforts to fight climate change and protect the environment across a key array of issues, from driving the transition to clean energy and supporting climate action in cities, to preserving ocean ecosystems.
These programs accelerate progress on the most serious threats to our environment by focusing on a set of critical challenges and by supporting the work of leading groups and emerging initiatives. Together with city leaders, policymakers, grassroots movements, environmental advocates and businesses, Bloomberg Philanthropies is taking bold action to protect the planet.
Recent News
Moving Beyond Carbon
Science shows that the impacts of climate change are worsening — and that the world needs to move quickly toward a 100% clean energy economy. Beyond Carbon, the largest-ever coordinated campaign against climate change in the U.S., is working to drive the country closer to that goal. It builds on the progress of the U.S. Beyond Coal campaign, which has helped retire more than 70% of all coal plants in the U.S. to date.
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Stopping Coal and Air Pollution Globally
Coal remains the world’s single largest source of carbon pollution, which presents grave risks to both our health and our planet. If we want to stave off the worst effects of climate change, the data shows we must end global reliance on coal by 2050 or sooner. Using data-driven strategies, Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Global Coal and Air Pollution program works in key geographies around the world to end our reliance on coal, support the global transition to clean energy, reduce air pollution, and protect public health.
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Protecting the Ocean
Ensuring the health of our ocean requires protection against both the inevitable long-term impacts of climate change, as well as the immediate threats of pollution and overfishing. The Bloomberg Ocean Initiative is facing that challenge head-on through collaboration with world-class research and advocacy partners and local governments from top fishing nations around the world. Since 2014, Bloomberg Philanthropies have worked to increase transparency in fishing practices, protect coral reefs, and implement data-driven policies to safeguard the health of the ocean and the 3 billion people who depend on it. Â
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Supporting Sustainable Cities
Cities are leading the way on major challenges, including climate change, and Bloomberg Philanthropies works closely with mayors to support their efforts. From global city networks like the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group and the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, to U.S.-based efforts like the Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge and America’s Pledge, Bloomberg Philanthropies supports cities around the world as they work to promote climate action, sustainability, resilience, and equity in the fight against climate change.
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Driving Sustainable Finance
As we fight the health and environmental impacts of climate change, we must also address the economic consequences of a warming world. Mike Bloomberg leads a number of efforts to involve the financial sector in the fight against climate change, including by helping companies better understand and disclose the climate-related risks they face, and by driving greater private sector investment in climate solutions.
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Bloomberg at COP
Globally recognized for his work to fight climate change and accelerate the energy transition, UN Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions Mike Bloomberg has long been committed to strengthening climate capacity across the United Nations and promoting climate ambition and solutions at previous Conference of Parties (COPs). Mike’s commitment to strengthen and support the UN’s climate agenda has included filling the funding gap created when the Trump Administration revoked federal financial support, publishing annual assessments of U.S. non-federal action to reduce emissions consistent with the Paris Agreement, and bringing together influential change makers and leaders from across government, business, finance, technology, media, and the arts to promote sharing ideas on best practices and overcoming barriers to ambitious climate action. Bloomberg Philanthropies also provides funding for various pavilions to ensure exhibition and convening space to showcase non-state climate leadership.
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Climate Book and Films
In order to ensure effective, rapid action on climate change, public awareness and political will is essential. Mike Bloomberg and Bloomberg Philanthropies have made raising awareness about the urgency of the climate crisis an utmost priority, working with key partners to publish a book and release two documentaries that address climate issues: bestseller Climate of Hope with former executive director of the Sierra Club Carl Pope, and documentaries From the Ashes and Paris to Pittsburgh with National Geographic Documentary Films and RadicalMedia.
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Top photo: Mike Bloomberg joins Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer to announce the potential impact of the Bloomberg Philanthropies American Cities Climate Challenge. With Bloomberg Philanthropies funding, Orlando will expand community solar programs and grow other renewable energy projects in the city.