THE richest man in the world is putting money where many are putting only mouths: in the fight against climate change.
Amazon CEO and founder Jeff Bezos — not normally known for his philanthropy — has pledged an impressive $10bn to fund the environmental battle.
The cash injection will finance scientific research and even activism, says Bezos, who made the funding announcement via his Instagram account.
Amazon employees have been pushing their boss to pitch in to climate change efforts, to the point of staging walk-outs in protest at his inaction. He has delivered.
Bezos has also come under fire for not signing the Giving Pledge, a promise by super-rich individuals to give away half their wealth during their lifetimes or in their wills — but this is likely to be seen as a commendable unilateral stand.
His Instagram post reads: “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 organisations, and individuals.
“I’m committing $10bn to start and will begin issuing grants this summer. Earth is the one thing we all have in common – let’s protect it, together.”
Bezos — estimated personal net worth somewhere north of $130bn — is owner of The Washington Post and funds the Blue Origin space programme.
.jpg){kind=link}