ATLANTA AND SEATTLE AS FIRST WINNERS IN AMERICAN CITIES CLIMATE CHANGE

USPA NEWS - Seattle and Atlanta are initial two of 20 cities total to be awarded with resources and technical support to help achieve their ambitious climate goals under Bloomberg´s Climate Challenge. UN Secretary-General´s Special Envoy for Climate Action and former New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg joined Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan in Seattle´s Kerry Park to announce Seattle and Atlanta as the first round of winning cities for the Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge.

The Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge is a $70 million dollar program that will accelerate 20 ambitious cities´ efforts to tackle climate change and promote a sustainable future for residents.

Through the Climate Challenge ““ which is part of Bloomberg´s American Cities Initiative, a suite of more than $200 million in investments to strengthen city halls and advance critical policies, will be provided powerful new resources and access to cutting-edge support to help meet or beat the cities´ near-term carbon reduction goals.

“Cities are helping to keep America moving forward on climate change despite the lack of leadership from Washington, and this challenge was designed to help innovative mayors reach their goals,“ said Mike Bloomberg. “We were looking for cities with ambitious and realistic plans to cut emissions in ways that improve people´s lives, and mayors committed to getting the job done. Each of these winning cities brings those ingredients to the table ““ and we´re looking forward to working with them and seeing what they can accomplish.“ has said the Former Mayor of the City of New-York.

“Seattle has suffered from both increasingly destructive wildfires and extreme rainstorms. Tackling climate action isn´t just about investing in the future ““ it´s about protecting our communities right now,“ Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan said.

“In Seattle, we´re excited to be part of the solution, pioneering innovative policies that will both reduce our carbon footprint and benefit our city. The support of Bloomberg Philanthropies and the American Cities Climate Challenge will give us critical momentum in achieving our goals.“

“Air pollution, droughts and adverse impacts of extreme weather are undeniable challenges that too often severely impact our most vulnerable residents ““ children and the elderly,“ said Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.

“I am thrilled that Atlanta has the opportunity to take part in the American Cities Climate Challenge. With the support of Bloomberg Philanthropies, we will create a bigger, better and more equitable future for Atlantans.“ added Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.

Winners of the Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge will be provided robust technical assistance and support package valued at up to $2.5 million per city.

As Climate Challenge winners, the 20 cities will be accepted into a two-year acceleration program with powerful new resources and access to cutting-edge support to help them meet ““ or beat ““ their near-term carbon reduction goals.

Seattle plans to use this support to improve the energy efficiency of citywide buildings and reduce emissions from the transit sector and Atlanta as a winner of the Climate Challenge will work with the Climate Challenge team to put more ambitious plans into action and ensure that all climate change interventions promote the values of One Atlanta.

ABOUT AMERICAN CLIMATE CITIES CHALLENGE

The American Cities Climate Challenge is part of Mike Bloomberg´s American Cities Initiative, a suite of more than $200 million in investments to strengthen city halls and advance critical policies. The American Cities Climate Challenge aims to go beyond the theoretical and scale up high-impact urban climate solutions that are already proven to succeed ““ specifically, from the buildings and transportation sectors.

Alain TCHEGNON

Courtesy: Bloomberg Philanthropies