// Jeff Bezos pledges £7bn to counter climate change effects
// He will fund scientists, activists and non-profit organisations
Amazon founder and chief executive Jeff Bezos to commit $10 billion (£7.7 billion) of his personal wealth to fund scientists, activists, non-profits and other groups fighting to protect the environment.
Bezos, who founded the online retail giant in 1995, has an Amazon stake worth $100 billion (£76.9 billion) alone.
He told followers on Instagram a new “Bezos Earth Fund” would start to distribute cash within months.
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The billionaire revealed plans to begin awarding grants to scientists, activists and non-profit organisations from this summer.
“Climate change is the biggest threat to our planet,” Bezos said.
“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.
“We can save Earth. It’s going to take collective action from big companies, small companies, nation states, global organisations, and individuals.
“Earth is the one thing we all have in common – let’s protect it, together.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8rWKFnnQ5c/
Amazon has faced pressure to counter the affects of climate change, after workers at the Seattle head office criticised Amazon’s practices.
The business depends on fossil fuels to power planes, lorries and vans to deliver billions of goods around the world.
However, last year Amazon committed to have 100 per cent of its energy use come from solar panels and other renewable energy by 2030.
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