Climate

Reducing Greenhouse Gases

Human activity is responsible for the emission of more than 36 billion tons of carbon dioxide each year. These gases are trapping excess heat in the atmosphere and causing the planet to warm. We’re committed to investing in programs that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, encourage clean energy, and educate communities about the importance of limiting greenhouse gases.

Reducing Our Impact on the Environment

With carbon dioxide levels at the highest they’ve been in 850,000 years, we’re investing in programs that encourage a reduction in CO2 which, in concert with other global efforts, will hopefully begin to reduce atmospheric levels of GHGs. These programs seek to: encourage the use of electric vehicles (EVs), change coal-related policies, and expose environmental and human-rights violations in the fashion industry via compelling documentary films.

Transportation Policy and Awareness

Reducing Transportation-Related Emissions

Cars, trucks, and other fossil-fuel-burning methods of transportation are the primary source of GHGs in the U.S. To help change that, we’re funding research that encourages the use of EVs and other, cleaner modes of transportation in urban settings.

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Smart City Challenge — Columbus

Smart City Challenge – Columbus is a project that started in 2016, when it was revealed the number one source of GHG emissions in the U.S. is transportation-related activities. An initiative was launched to find a “smart city” partner willing to develop and model practices that reduce emissions from urban transportation sources and, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), we committed $10 million to the $50 million challenge. After an extensive review process, Columbus, Ohio was selected as the winner. Today, the city continues to benefit from the project which supports the use of EVs and other, low-carbon emitting vehicles.*

Partners
US DOT, Ohio Business Partners

Building Awareness And Creating Policies

To address the challenges presented by climate change, high-level, systemic shifts in behavior are needed – from heavy industry, to transportation, to individual energy consumption habits. The most effective ways to create change in these areas is to engage in broad efforts that increase awareness and lead the way with thoughtful, data-driven policies.

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“X-Ray Fashion”

The VR installation “X-Ray Fashion” exposes the darker side of the fashion industry by revealing how it’s responsible for 20% of global wastewater and 10% of global carbon emissions. In addition to the environmental threats the industry poses, such as dyeing vats that discolor local waterways and landfills full of discarded clothes, this immersive piece also documents sweatshop working conditions and other human-rights violations.

Partners
MANND, Connect4Climate - World Bank Group, Alcantara

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BLM Coal-Leasing Reform

Nearly 40% of coal mined in the U.S. comes from land owned by the federal government. The environmental analysis behind federal coal leases dates back to the 1970s, ignoring decades of air pollution and climate impacts. In 2015, Vulcan supported a campaign and litigation to reform the federal government’s coal program, and the pressure led to a federal coal moratorium and reform of coal royalty payments. We remain invested in expediting the decline of coal emissions in the U.S.*

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* Funded by the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation