Bloomberg Launches Accelerator for Local Climate Action

A new initiative from Michael Bloomberg aims to help large U.S. cities achieve their near-term greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. The $70 million American Cities Climate Challenge is a two-year accelerator that provides a package of resources and technical support to local governments focused particularly on the transportation and building sectors, which Metro Magazine explains "typically total 90% of citywide emissions and are areas over which mayors have significant authority."

Twenty winning "Leadership Cities," selected through a competitive process, will receive funding for a Climate Advisor to develop policy; data and design resources; rapid response grants; and peer-to-peer networking, among other types of assistance. Groups offering their expertise include the Natural Resources Defense Council and Delivery Associates.

The challenge is open to the 100 most populous American cities whose mayors signed onto the "We Are Still In" declaration, committing to fulfilling the goals of the Paris Agreement despite the withdrawal of the U.S. in 2017.