Bloomberg Philanthropies Announces the American Cities Climate Challenge to Support Mayors Tackling Climate Change in the United States

June 7, 2018 /3BL Media/ - On June 1, Mike Bloomberg, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Climate Action and co-chair of America’s Pledge, announced the $70 million American Cities Climate Challenge, a major new effort to expedite progress in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while growing local economies during a time of inaction from the federal government. Through a competitive process, Bloomberg Philanthropies will select the 20 mayors demonstrating the strongest leadership and commitment to move America forward on delivering the goals of the Paris Agreement – a 26% reduction in emissions from 2005 levels. Selected cities will participate in a two-year program designed to significantly deepen the impact of their efforts to tackle climate change. The $70 million investment includes funding from a philanthropic partner and additional charitable partners may join the effort in the future.

The announcement coincides with the one-year anniversary of the Trump Administration’s statement of its intent to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Agreement. Since June 2017, U.S. cities – along with states, businesses, and other nonfederal actors – have united as drivers of ambitious climate action, continuing the work to cut emissions while protecting public health and fostering economic growth. The actions taken by these nonfederal actors will be aggregated quantified through America’s Pledge.

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