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Bezos Earth Fund commits $1Bn for global conservation initiatives

Date: September 22, 2021 Sunil Jha Sunil Jha
Bezos Earth Fund commits $1Bn for global conservation initiatives 
Jeff Bezos, the founder and executive chairman of Amazon, has reportedly pledged to contribute $1 billion to biodiversity conservation efforts across the world. While making the announcement, Bezos was quoted saying that the realization of how fragile the Earth is hit him during his recent space flight.



According to reports, the capital, which has been made through the $10 billion Bezos Earth Fund, will be used to ensure the conservation of nature across the world’s ecological hotspots such as the tropical Andes, the Pacific Ocean, and the Congo Basin.



It would help finance the objective of protecting 30% of the world's land and oceans by the end of this decade, which is also a draft target outlined in a Paris-style UN accord on nature that is currently being discussed.



At the launch event, Mr. Bezos stated that nature is humanity’s life support system, and it is in fragile condition. it is said that looking at the Earth from space alters one's perspective on the planet. However, according to Bezos, he did not expect how much of it would be true.



Down on the earth, the environment and atmosphere appears large and stable. However, while looking back at Earth from space, the atmosphere appears thin and the globe appears finite. Bezos added.



Bezos, one of the richest men in the world, also stated that the funds will be used to extend, maintain, and monitor protected areas, as well as to place indigenous and local populations at the center of biodiversity conservation efforts.



Meanwhile, critics of the 30% objective have cautioned that it may legitimize land grabs on indigenous territories, and it has been met with opposition from several nations during UN negotiations.



Grants from the pledged $1 billion, announced at New York Climate Week, will begin to be disbursed this year, with priority given to areas and countries that have shown a long-term commitment to environmental protection.



Bezos also announced that the fund was the first of a three-pronged environmental strategy, which would also include ecological restoration and food chain reform.



Source credit: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/sep/21/earth-is-fragile-from-space-jeff-bezos-pledges-1bn-to-conservation-age-of-extinction

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Sunil Jha

Sunil Jha has been a part of the content industry for close to two years. Having previously worked as a voice over artist and sportswriter, he now focuses on writing articles for newsorigins.com, across a slew of topics, ranging from technology to trade and finance. With a business-oriented educational background, Sunil brings forth the expertise of deep-dive research and a strategic approach in his write ups.