After President Donald Trump withdrew his country from the Paris Agreement, an American billionaire came out to save the international organization amid uncertainty.
The tycoon Michael Bloomberg and his foundation will finance the organ of the United Nations Organization on climate change.
Bloomberg’s intervention will allow the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to maintain its financing despite the fact that the United States suspended its contributions.
And the United States supplies 22% of the budget of the UNFCCC secretariat, whose operating costs for the period 2024-2025 They are projected at about 96.5 million dollars.
“From 2017 to 2020, during a period of federal inaction, cities, states, businesses and the public rose to the challenge of preserving our country’s commitments, and now we are ready to do it again,” Bloomberg, who said in a statement. serves as UN Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions.
Although surprising, the announcement is not new, as it represents the second time that Bloomberg has filled the void left by the American withdrawal.
In 2017, when the first Trump administration withdrew from the Paris Agreement, Bloomberg offered up to $15 million to support the UNFCCC.
Back then, the billionaire launched an initiative to monitor compliance with American climate commitments, allowing the world to verify the country’s progress as if it were still part of the Paris Agreement.
Bloomberg assured that on this occasion he will maintain his commitment to reporting progress on climate matters.
“Contributions like this are vital to enable the UN climate secretariat to support countries in meeting their commitments under the Paris Agreement and promote a low-emission, resilient and safe future for all,” said Secretary Simon Stiell. of the UNFCCC.
Trump signed the withdrawal from the Paris Agreement in just his first hours as president last Sunday night, in addition, He also announced that his country will not be part of the World Health Organization (WHO)..
Tarik Jasarevic, spokesman for this agency attached to the United Nations, said regarding the matter: “We hope that the United States reconsiders its position.”
