Powerful Green Initiatives
By Abigail Knopps
Climate change is one of the most challenging issues we face today. From raging wildfires to food shortages – the effects can be felt throughout the world. We can no longer sit idly by as this crisis reaches its tipping point. We must engage with others and attempt to reverse the effects before it is too late.
To aid in mitigation efforts, powerful people from across the globe have come together and developed plans.
Bill and Melinda Gates
Over the past 20 years, Microsoft Co-Founder Bill Gates has studied the effects of climate change. In 2006 when billions were being invested in solar and other green technologies during the “clean tech” explosion, Gates dove headfirst into nuclear energy investments. Despite heavy losses as the industry shifted to fracking, Gates continued to invest in climate mitigation efforts.
At the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, Gates introduced his climate initiative, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, which garnered support from 28 billionaires and 20 countries who had committed to doubling their spending to fund research and development for clean energy alternatives.
“In another 20 years, you’re not going to be wondering if you got a return. You’re wondering if there’s going to be a planet left for your great-grandchildren.”
— Larry Cohen, CEO of Gates Ventures
Learn more about Bill and Melinda Gates Climate Efforts
Michael Bloomberg
During his tenure as Mayor of New York City (2002 – 2013), Mike Bloomberg pushed for green initiatives to be implemented across the city. In 2007, he introduced PlaNYC – a major strategic plan for preparing residents for the climate crisis and enhancing their quality of life.
Since, Bloomberg has been engaged with climate initiatives related to the following:
- Beyond Carbon: Moving the United States Toward a 100% Clean Energy Economy
- America’s Pledge
- American Cities Climate Challenge
- Global Coal and Air Pollution program
- Sustainable Cities
- Vibrant Oceans
Learn more about Mike Bloomberg’s Climate Initiatives
Al Gore
Former Vice President Al Gore has been a climate activist for more than 40 years. Throughout his time in public service, Gore has prioritized climate solution efforts.
Here are just some of the things Gore has been able to accomplish during his time in office and beyond:
- In 1981, he organized the first Congressional hearing on the human-induced climate crisis
- In 1992, he led the “Earth Summit” which paved the way for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
- In 1998, he challenged NASA to build a satellite to survey the Earth as a way to educate the public on the climate crisis from a new perspective.
- Founded the Climate Reality Project in 2005 to educate and train thousands of climate activists
- Won the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate in 2007 for his work educating the world on the dangers of climate change along with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
- Bestselling author; Published 5 books on the climate crisis and potential solutions
Learn More about Al Gore’s Climate Leadership