Bloomberg Philanthropies took a risk when it established the Youth Climate Action Fund to address the pressing need to combat climate change. Tens of thousands of young people between the ages of 15 and 24 will be engaged in this project in 100 cities throughout the world to plan, carry out, and oversee local climate solutions.
$50,000 in microgrants will be given by the fund to each city to assist youth-led climate projects that are customized to meet the needs and objectives of the area. Tree planting, public education campaigns, recycling programs, and disaster preparedness initiatives are a few examples of these projects. Cities that commit the first funding within six months will receive an additional $100,000 for the entire year to further support youth-driven projects.
Involving youth in the fight against climate change is crucial, according to UN Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions Michael R. Bloomberg.”Young people, who have the greatest stakes, must help lead the way. Climate change is an all-hands-on-deck challenge,” he said.
Mayors play a crucial role in the response to the climate emergency because they are the ones who deal with crises firsthand and implement interventions. However, a lot of cities lack the organizational stability and self-assurance needed to direct young people’s energy toward climate action. The Youth Climate Action Fund helps cities close this gap by providing the tools and motivation they need to involve young people in the process of creating climate solutions.
The initiative will be implemented in collaboration with United Cities and Local Governments by the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University. To guarantee the initiative’s success, C40 Cities and the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy will work together as learning partners.
United Cities and Local Governments Secretary General Emilia Sáiz expressed excitement about the collaboration with Bloomberg Philanthropies and the chance to engage young people in building resilient and regenerative communities. She underlined that young people must take an active role in addressing the climate emergency because they are our future stewards.
Cities will be able to issue open calls for youth-led climate projects, such as awareness campaigns, co-governed climate action plans, and mitigation projects, thanks to the Youth Climate Action Fund. By equipping youth with the necessary leadership skills to spearhead innovative climate initiatives, cities can accomplish significant climate goals and build more sustainable communities for future generations.
The 100 cities that have joined the fund represent a diverse range of countries and regions, showcasing the global commitment to youth-led climate action. Mayors are eager to work with young people to develop solutions that address the climate crisis, from Accra, Ghana, to Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Florencio Venté, the co-director of the UN Major Group for Children and Youth’s Migration Youth and Children Platform, commended Bloomberg Philanthropies for starting the initiative. He emphasized how crucial it is to involve young people in the planning, execution, and financing of initiatives to guarantee successful local climate action.
Freetown, Sierra Leone’s mayor, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, expressed excitement about her community’s involvement in the Youth Climate Action Fund and about getting young people involved in advancing climate solutions. She stressed how important it is for young people to get involved in the climate movement and how the program can encourage young people to be creative and engaged.
Mayor John Giles of Mesa, Arizona, stressed the importance of working with youth to support and champion their ideas for a more sustainable future. He was excited about working with the younger generation to empower them to spearhead creative projects and achieve common climate action goals.
A big step in encouraging young people to take up local climate action and giving them the power to influence their communities’ futures is the establishment of the Youth Climate Action Fund. Future generations will benefit from a greener, more sustainable future thanks to Bloomberg Philanthropies’ support of young leaders and investments in their ideas.
