Mesa Joints Bloomberg Philanthropies' Youth Action Fund to Activate Young People in Driving Climate Solutions

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~ Mesa, Arizona - Mayor John Giles announced today that the city of Mesa will be joining Bloomberg Philanthropies' new Youth Climate Action Fund. This program aims to empower young people between the ages of 15 and 24 to design, produce, and govern urgent climate solutions in cities around the world. With 84 percent of youth expressing concern about the effects of climate change, this initiative is a crucial step towards engaging and mobilizing the next generation in addressing this global issue.

Mesa joins 100 other mayors from cities spanning 38 countries across six continents, representing over 62 million residents. This diverse group of cities includes Athens, Greece; Casablanca, Morocco; Flint, Michigan; Glasgow, United Kingdom; and Melbourne, Australia. Together, they will work towards implementing innovative approaches to involve youth in climate problem-solving and policymaking.

Through the Youth Climate Action Fund, Bloomberg Philanthropies will provide technical assistance and funding to activate tens of thousands of young people worldwide. Mesa has been granted $50,000 to distribute as microgrants for youth-led climate initiatives such as tree planting and public education campaigns. Cities that commit to using this initial funding within six months will receive an additional $100,000 to support more youth-driven projects over the course of one year.

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Mayor Giles expressed his enthusiasm for this opportunity stating that "engaging our community is a pillar of our Climate Action Plan." He believes that young people are key players in creating a more sustainable future and that mayors have a responsibility to champion and support their ideas. The city of Mesa is pleased to have this opportunity to work closely with its next generation on shared climate action goals.

UN Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions and former mayor of New York City Michael R. Bloomberg emphasized the importance of involving young people in tackling climate change. "Climate change is an all-hands-on-deck challenge," he said, "and it's critical that young people who have the most at stake help lead the way." The Youth Climate Action Fund will provide cities with the tools and support to engage and empower tomorrow's leaders to take action today.

Mesa is no stranger to taking proactive measures in addressing climate change. Like many other cities, it has adopted a local Climate Action Plan to protect its environment and natural resources. This plan includes initiatives such as community gardening, tree planting, and recycling programs.

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The Youth Climate Action Fund was kickstarted at the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayor's Innovation Studio at COP28 as part of the Local Climate Action Summit. It 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 also collaborate as learning partners.

In the coming weeks, Mesa will launch an application process for young residents between the ages of 15 and 24 to submit their ideas for funding. These ideas may include youth-led awareness, education, research, and development initiatives; climate mitigation and adaptation projects; or co-governed youth climate action plans.

With this new fund in place, Mesa is taking a significant step towards engaging its youth in addressing climate change. By empowering young people to take action now, we can create a more sustainable future for generations to come.

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