Amid the federal government’s second decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, Michael R. Bloomberg, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions, announced a major initiative to uphold the United States’ global climate commitments. Bloomberg Philanthropies, alongside other U.S. climate funders, will step in to bridge the funding and reporting gaps left by the federal government, ensuring the country’s climate progress remains on track.

"From 2017 to 2020, during a period of federal inaction, cities, states, businesses, and the public rose to the challenge to uphold our nation’s commitments—and now, we are ready to do it again,” Bloomberg stated.
The announcement comes at a time when climate-fueled disasters, such as the recent devastating wildfires in California, have underscored the urgent need for action. Bloomberg noted that clean energy advancements have brought economic benefits nationwide, making the transition to a green economy both necessary and advantageous.
Philanthropy Takes the Lead
Bloomberg Philanthropies has committed to covering the United States’ financial obligations to the UN Climate Change Secretariat (UNFCCC) and maintaining critical reporting mechanisms under the Paris Agreement. The funding will allow the UNFCCC to continue its work supporting nations in achieving low-emission, climate-resilient futures.
Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the UN Climate Change Secretariat, praised Bloomberg’s leadership: “Contributions like this are vital in enabling the UN Climate Change Secretariat to support countries in fulfilling their commitments under the Paris Agreement.”
This marks Bloomberg’s second time stepping in to address U.S. climate funding gaps. In 2017, following the Trump administration’s first withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, Bloomberg and then-California Governor Jerry Brown launched America’s Pledge. This initiative tracked non-federal climate commitments, ensuring the world could monitor U.S. progress as if it were still an official party to the agreement.

Sustained Climate Leadership

Bloomberg’s support also includes funding U.S. Climate Action Pavilions at global climate conferences, showcasing subnational leadership from cities, states, and businesses. Since 2017, these efforts have demonstrated that meaningful emissions reductions are possible even without federal action.
In response to the latest federal withdrawal, Bloomberg reiterated his commitment to mobilizing local and private-sector leaders: “Philanthropy’s role in driving local, state, and private sector action is more crucial than ever—and we’re committed to leading the way.”
The America Is All In coalition, which evolved from America’s Pledge, will play a central role in tracking and reporting U.S. climate progress over the next four years. The coalition, which includes cities, states, businesses, and local institutions, remains focused on reducing emissions, creating green jobs, and protecting public health.
Gina McCarthy, former White House National Climate Advisor and Managing Co-Chair of America Is All In, applauded the effort, saying, “Mike Bloomberg is showing what real leadership looks like. His support will ensure the United States does not abandon its international commitments to fight climate change and expand our clean energy economy.”

A Vision for the Future

Research from the University of Maryland’s Center for Global Sustainability indicates that ambitious actions by subnational actors could reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 54-62% by 2035, even in the absence of federal climate leadership.
Laurence Tubiana, CEO of the European Climate Foundation, emphasized the global significance of Bloomberg’s efforts: “US philanthropy, along with millions of Americans, cities, and states, is stepping up—recognizing the huge benefits of climate action and the devastating costs of inaction.”
As federal leadership wanes, Bloomberg’s initiative reaffirms the United States’ dedication to combating climate change. By empowering local leaders and fostering international cooperation, Bloomberg Philanthropies ensures that America’s commitment to a sustainable future remains unwavering.
 

BOB Post