With 84 percent of youth around the world reporting that they are worried about the effects of climate change, Mayor John Giles announced today that Mesa will join Bloomberg Philanthropies new Youth Climate Action Fund. This program will provide technical assistance and funding to activate tens of thousands of young people ages of 15 24 years to design, produce and govern urgent climate solutions in cities across the globe. Mesa joins the Fund alongside 100 mayors from around the world, which together spans 38 countries across six continents, representing over 62 million residents.
"Through the Youth Climate Action Fund, Bloomberg Philanthropies empowers municipalities to engage our young people towards local climate action, and engaging our community is a pillar of our Climate Action Plan said Mesa Mayor John Giles. Young people are mobilizing and leading as we work toward a more sustainable future, and mayors can do their part to champion and support their ideas. Mesa is pleased to have this opportunity to work closely with our next generation on our shared climate action goals.
Bloombergs Youth Climate Action Fund grants Mesa $50,000 to distribute as microgrants to fund a groundswell of youth-led climate initiatives ranging from mobilizing tree planting to launching public education campaigns. Cities that respond to the urgency of the moment and commit the initial $50,000 within six months will receive an additional $100,000 to support more youth-driven projects over the course of one year.
Climate change is an all-hands-on-deck challenge, and its critical that young people who have the most at stake help lead the way, said Michael R. Bloomberg, UN Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions and 108th mayor of New York City. This new fund will help mayors mobilize and empower tomorrows leaders to take action today.
Over the last decade, local governments have played a critical role in climate mitigation and adaptation. Mesa is one of many cities taking proactive actions and adopting a local Climate Action Plan to protect the citys environment and natural resources proactively and responsibly.
Kickstarted at the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Innovation Studio at COP28, as a part of the Local Climate Action Summit, the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund will provide the cities with the tools, techniques and support to leverage innovation approaches that invite and foster robust youth collaboration in climate problem-solving and policymaking. The program will be delivered by United Cities and Local Governments in partnership with the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University. C40 Cities and the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy will collaborate as learning partners.
In the coming weeks, Mesa will launch the application process for young residents ages 15-24 to submit their ideas for the opportunity to receive funding.
These ideas may include:
Youth-led awareness, education, research, and development initiatives, including: youth-led climate education programs; youth climate hackathons; youth-developed climate surveys and research; youth-informed clubs or curriculum; and youth-designed public art and awareness campaigns.
Youth-driven climate mitigation and adaptation projects, including: youth-led community gardening, tree planting, reforestation, and urban farming campaigns; youth-managed recycling and waste reduction programs; and youth-produced climate resilience workshops and disaster preparedness programs.
Co-governed youth climate action plans, including: partnerships between city leaders and youth groups to inform climate-related policy ideas, decisions, or actions or the formation of youth climate ambassadors or advisory boards.
The 100 cities selected to participate in the Youth Climate Action Fund include Athens, Greece; Casablanca, Morocco; Flint, Michigan; Glasgow, United Kingdom and Melbourne, Australia.