Mayor John Giles today announced the Mesa Youth Climate Action Fund will begin accepting applications on June 1. Young people ages 15-24 that reside in and/or attend school in Mesa are encouraged to apply for up to $5,000 in funding to design and implement projects that address Mesa's Climate Action Goals, which include heat mitigation, water stewardship, clean air and increasing Mesa's tree canopy. The deadline to submit applications is July 31.
Bloomberg Philanthropies' Youth Climate Action Fund has granted Mesa $50,000 to distribute as microgrants to fund youth-led climate initiatives ranging from mobilizing tree planting to launching public education campaigns. Applications and program details are available on the City of Mesa website.
"The most exciting thing about this initiative is that it is entirely youth-led," said Mayor John Giles. "We appreciate the investment in our community by Bloomberg Philanthropies and we welcome the opportunity to work closely with the next generation on projects that lead us toward a more sustainable future."
Over the last decade, local governments have played a critical role in climate mitigation and adaptation. Mesa is one of many cities taking proactive actions and adopting a local Climate Action Plan to responsibly protect the city's environment and natural resources.
"Climate change is an all-hands-on-deck challenge, and it's critical that young people - who have the most at stake - help lead the way," said Michael R. Bloomberg, UN Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions and 108th mayor of New York City. "This new fund will help mayors mobilize and empower tomorrow's leaders to take action today."
Kickstarted at the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Innovation Studio at COP28, as a part of the Local Climate Action Summit, the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund provides the cities with the tools, techniques and support to leverage innovative approaches that invite and foster robust youth collaboration in climate problem solving and policymaking.
For more information about Mesa's Climate Action Plan and Mesa Mayor John Giles' sustainability efforts, please contact Casey Blake at 480-644-3219 or casey.blake@mesaaz.gov.