Michael Bloomberg Launches ‘Largest Ever’ US Climate Change Campaign

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In a commencement address last week at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Michael R. Bloomberg launched Beyond Carbon, the largest coordinated campaign to tackle climate change ever undertaken in the United States.

With a $500 million investment, Beyond Carbon will work to put the US on track towards a 100% clean energy economy by working with advocates around the country to build on the leadership and climate progress underway in states, cities and communities.

Bloomberg and his foundation joined forces with the Sierra Club in 2011 to launch Beyond Coal with the goal of closing at least a third of the country’s coal plants. With 289 of 530 closed to date – more than half the country’s coal fleet – Beyond Carbon will aim to close the rest by 2030 and stop the rush to build new gas plants.

“We’re in a race against time with climate change, and yet there is virtually no hope of bold federal action on this issue for at least another two years. Mother Nature is not waiting on our political calendar, and neither can we,” said Bloomberg.

Bloomberg currently serves as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Climate Action. His Beyond Carbon initiative will:

• Win state and local policy changes. Beyond Carbon will work with state and local organizations to pass climate and clean energy policies, including 100% clean energy laws, targets and timetables to phase out climate pollution, and implementation of programs to expand low-carbon transit, speed up the deployment of electric vehicles, get pollution out of buildings, and promote low-carbon manufacturing.
• Grow the climate movement. Beyond Carbon will help to grow the climate movement through partnerships at all levels, including expanding support for grassroots organizations and frontline communities.
• Double down on Beyond Coal and Beyond Gas. Beyond Carbon will accelerate progress and retire all coal-fired power plants by 2030. Simultaneously and starting now, Beyond Carbon will extend the successful strategies utilized in the Beyond Coal campaign to other fossil fuels, by working to prevent new construction of gas plants.
• Help elect climate champions.Beyond Carbon will work to help elect state and local candidates who are climate champions. Elected representatives willing to lead on climate will drive progress from the local level.