Bloomberg’s total contribution of $10m over two years keeps U.S. on track to fulfill its funding commitments under Paris Agreement

NEW YORK, NY – Today, Michael R. Bloomberg, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Climate Action, announced that for the second year in a row he will make up the funding gap left by the United States federal government and provide $5.5 million to the United Nations Climate Change Secretariat to ensure it can continue its critical work empowering countries to meet the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement. Today’s announcement, along with the $4.5 million he contributed last year for the same purpose, brings his support for the United Nations Climate Change Secretariat to a total of $10 million in the past two years.

The former federal administration committed a total of $15 million to the United Nations Climate Change Secretariat for the two year 2018-2019 funding cycle. In 2018 the United States transferred only $2.5 million to the United Nations Climate Change Secretariat and is expected to deliver the same amount this year. Bloomberg’s contributions realize his promise from June 2017 to fill the significant gap caused by the current administration’s failure to act on the pledges made under the Paris Agreement. Bloomberg will make additional funds available should the U.S. government again fail to pay its share of the UN climate budget in 2020. Due to Bloomberg’s leadership, the United States remains on track to uphold its financial commitment.

“The United States made a promise to meet the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement – and if the federal government won’t hold up our end of the deal, then the American people must,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Climate Action, founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies, and three-term mayor of New York City. “As mayors, governors, business leaders, and private citizens across the country work to ensure that we meet our climate targets, our foundation will again cover the difference in federal funding to the United Nations. Together, we’re sending a loud, clear message to the rest of the world: regardless of what’s happening in Washington, we’re in this fight with you.”

As the Special Envoy for Climate Action, Bloomberg has been a leading advocate for climate action, both nationally and globally. When the federal government announced its intention to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, Bloomberg launched the “We Are Still In” declaration and created America’s Pledge with former California Governor Jerry Brown. By catalyzing climate commitments from thousands of non-federal actors including cities, states, and businesses, and reporting on their progress each year, these efforts have demonstrated that the United States remains committed to the goals outlined under the Paris Agreement, regardless of federal inaction. Thanks to initiatives already taken by cities, states and businesses to reduce carbon emissions, the United States is already almost halfway to meeting its 2025 Paris Agreement goal. To better equip cities in their efforts Bloomberg additionally launched the American Cities Climate Challenge, a $70 million two-year acceleration program designed to empower Mayors to meet and beat their near-term carbon reduction goals in line with the Paris Agreement.

“With the effects of climate change already apparent – and accelerating – we need urgent action now to protect people and the planet,” said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. “As we look ahead to the September Climate Action Summit in New York, I am grateful to my Special Envoy, Mike Bloomberg, for his support for the United Nations Climate Change secretariat and his work to catalyze the kind of climate solutions we need on both a national and global scale.”

“The success of the Paris Agreement and global efforts to address climate change are contingent upon bold action from governments, private sector and civil society,” said UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Patricia Espinosa. “UN Climate Change Secretariat thanks Mike Bloomberg for his ongoing support for global climate action and welcomes his generous contribution to better assist countries in realizing their Paris goals.”

Bloomberg Philanthropies’ continued funding will cover some basic cost of operations at the Secretariat’s headquarters in Bonn. With financial support from Bloomberg, the UN will be able to strengthen its efforts to promote climate action among non-states actors such as cities, regions, business and civil society, invest in communications and emerging technology, and continue to ensure that the world makes progress on international carbon reduction goals.

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About Bloomberg Philanthropies:

Bloomberg Philanthropies works in 480 cities in more than 120 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: Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s charitable activities, including his foundation and his personal giving. In 2018, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $767 million. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter.

Media Contact: Lee Cochran, lee@bloomberg.org