Go Green Hero Michael Bloomberg
By Tom Last
Billionaires like Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Warren Buffet often make the headlines for several reasons. Sometimes it’s regarding their businesses, philanthropy, family life, or politics. Another billionaire, former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s name popped up in the news recently without much fanfare, even though his recent actions will reverberate around the globe.
Before delving into Mr. Bloomberg’s recent deed, let’s talk about what prompted his action in the first place. On January 21, the United States of America withdrew from the Paris Agreement, which had become a participant of the Agreement back in 2016. Under the Paris Agreement, countries around the world agreed to cut greenhouse gas emissions to limit global warming and negate the worst impacts of climate change.
The decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement was based on the misguided belief that it is an unfair economic burden imposed on American workers, businesses, and taxpayers. It is argued that because the United States has historically emitted more CO2 per capita (25% of the global total) than any other country to date that we should take the lead in helping to reduce global emissions and support poorer nations in their fight against climate change. While we are the largest producer of emissions per capita, it is the smaller and poorer nations that unfairly feel the most impact from climate change.
Responding to the United States’ second withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, “Bloomberg Philanthropies” has donated $15 million dollars to ensure the United States meets its global climate obligations by covering the funding gap and upholding the country’s reporting commitments. Bloomberg will also continue his support for “America Is All In” — a coalition of U.S. cities, states, businesses, and other subnational climate leaders working to meet the U.S. commitment to reduction emissions. This financial support is critical to help developing countries adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change and ensures all countries work together to share climate data and solutions.
In addition to his support of the Paris Agreement, Michael Bloomberg has always been active in improving the health and welfare of others. As the Mayor of NYC, Bloomberg signed into law the amended New York State Clean Indoor Air Act, which prohibited smoking in virtually all workplaces, including restaurants and bars, in New York City. What the ban did was prevent tens of thousands of premature deaths, in the city alone, that would have been caused by the effects of indoor smoking. The mayor attempted other bans like big sodas, the phasing out of artificial trans fats, menus with calorie counts, and a ban on Styrofoam. These measures to eliminate certain foods and products were to help protect the health of all New Yorkers by reducing chronic health conditions (e.g., diabetes, cancer) caused by the consumption of sugary and trans-fat foods and drinks. The mayor took a lot of heat from these proposals, as many people falsely believed it would hurt NYC businesses. Some of these proposals became law and others did not, but overall, our health is better due to these changes and the awareness they brought to the public of the negative relationship that poor diets have with our well-being. The effect was better quality of life and New York City businesses are thriving with these changes.
As more and more Americans are feeling the effects of the climate change fueled disasters, most recently the fires raging in California, it is essential that we understand the importance of these investments made by philanthropies such as Bloomberg’s. At the same time, by supporting local businesses and leaders in green energy development, we are experiencing the economic benefits provided, in both blue and red states. With 196 nations supporting the all-important Paris Agreement that aims to limit global warming, we must ensure that we join and support all nations in this vital cause to keep a sustainable planet.
So, we thank Michael Bloomberg for being a worthy Go Green hero, as he continues to look after the health and welfare of all people by banning products that are unhealthy and by supporting the global fight against climate change. It makes me wonder if those other billionaires have grandchildren, as they sit idly on the sidelines without supporting such important causes. Let’s all be like Mike and fight climate change!
