Earthquake relief, climate justice, hitting the road for art, and more
It’s been a little more than week since the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, and the scenes of destruction and stories of loss are tragic beyond measure.
Against that heartbreaking reality, we also see people from all over the world stepping up and stepping in to rescue survivors, cook meals, provide shelter, and so much more. We are working with a number of humanitarian organizations on the ground, and we encourage you to learn more about them and, if you can, help support their relief efforts for the people of Turkey and Syria:
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
International Medical Corps
International Rescue Committee
Ahbap
World Central Kitchen
Doctors Without Borders
UNICEF
Bloomberg Philanthropies CEO Patti Harris took questions from LinkedIn users, who asked about building effective teams, overcoming obstacles, and the unique role philanthropy can play in taking on the world’s biggest challenges. In addition to sharing her top priority for 2023, Patti talked about what keeps her optimistic, and how Bloomberg Philanthropies teams work to keep innovating and adapting — while staying focused on our mission to help the greatest number of people live longer, better lives.
In a recent episode of our Follow the Data podcast, Garnesha Ezediaro, who leads Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Greenwood Initiative, is joined by two leading experts working to protect underserved communities from climate change and environmental injustice: Jacqueline Patterson, the Founder and Executive Director of The Chisholm Legacy Project: A Resource Hub for Black Frontline Climate Justice Leadership, and Mitchell J. Silver, the Principal of Urban Planning at McAdams — a land planning and design company. They discuss how historically marginalized populations are disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change and environmental injustice, and share examples of communities working to combat these challenges.
If you’re thinking about hitting the road for some much-needed travel this year — or want to take a virtual trip from home — the free Bloomberg Connects app makes it possible to access audio guides, exhibit information, interactive virtual tours, and more from 150 iconic cultural institutions in the U.S. and beyond. Check out some of our recommended stops, from sculpture in New York to southern history in Mississippi, from the stories of Black Wall Street in Oklahoma to a look inside Donald Judd’s studio in Texas, and finally on to Warhols in Colorado and botanical gardens in California.
Global smoking rates have been dropping for years. But smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death around the world, and the tobacco industry is relentlessly trying to roll back progress and addict new customers — including young people. To meet those efforts head on, Bloomberg Philanthropies is committing an additional $420 million over four years to the Bloomberg Initiative to Reduce Tobacco Use. This investment, which brings Bloomberg’s total commitment to tobacco control to more than $1.58 billion since 2005, will be used for programs focused on curbing tobacco use in low- and middle-income countries, and reducing e-cigarette use among U.S. teenagers.
Helping NYC High School Students Plan for College and Careers
With support from Bloomberg Philanthropies, the City University of New York and NYC Public Schools launched the CUNY College & Career Advising Fellows, an initiative that supports graduating high school seniors as they navigate the complex processes of college and career planning. The program has placed 10 full-time, in-person advisers in 10 NYC public high schools, and is piloting a hybrid virtual advising model for juniors during the 2022-2023 academic year. They plan to grow to 40 advisers in 30 high schools by the 2024-2025 academic year.
Investing in Renewable Energy Manufacturing Capacity in Africa
The new Africa Renewable Energy Manufacturing Initiative aims to unlock up to $850 million in catalytic investments to advance clean energy manufacturing capacity across Africa. Africa is home to a remarkable 1.2 terawatts of energy potential, and could create as many as 14 million new jobs through clean energy development and transition. The Initiative will help drive the financial, technical, and socioeconomic investments needed.
Photo Spotlight
Mike and Bloomberg Philanthropies CEO Patti Harris join senior leaders from 10 cities around the world at a Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative special session focused on cross-boundary collaboration.
Learn more about the Bloomberg Harvard Leadership Initiative →