Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon and the richest man in the world, said he is committing $ 10 billion to a new climate change fund.
In a message to his 1.4 million Instagram followers, the e-commerce tycoon stated that the Bezos Land Foundation “will fund scientists, activists, non-governmental organizations – any effort that offers a real opportunity to help preserve and protect the natural world.”
View this post on Instagram Today, I'm thrilled to announce I am launching the Bezos Earth Fund. Climate change is the biggest threat to our planet. I want to work alongside others both to amplify known ways and to explore new ways of fighting the devastating impact of climate change on this planet we all share. This global initiative will fund scientists, activists, NGOs – any effort that offers a real possibility to help preserve and protect the natural world. We can save Earth. It's going to take collective action from big companies, small companies, nation states, global organizations, and individuals. I’m committing $ 10 billion to start and will begin issuing grants this summer. Earth is the one thing we all have in common – let’s protect it, together. – Jeff
“Climate change is the biggest threat to our planet,” said Bezos, with an estimated net worth of $ 130 billion.
“I want to work with others to explore new ways to combat the devastating impact of climate change on this planet we all live on.”
Last September, Bezos said Amazon promised to be carbon neutral by 2040 and said the company would order 100,000 electric trucks.
The New York Times reported that the foundation will provide grant funds for projects, citing unnamed sources familiar with the initiative.
Bezos released several details on his social media post, which generated overwhelmingly positive reviews from his followers.
Amazon has been criticized for creating a lot of waste from the packaging in which it ships its products, as well as emissions from its huge fleet of vehicles.
Sources: Agence France-Presse, photo: Andrew Harrer / Bloomberg
