For the third consecutive year, Bloomberg Philanthropies has selected Atlanta to receive funding through its Youth Climate Action Fund, bringing its total investment in the city’s youth-led climate initiatives to $200,000 since 2024.
Supporting Atlanta’s Climate Future
The funding supports young Atlantans as they develop projects that advance the City’s Climate Resilient ATL plan, a roadmap for preparing neighborhoods, infrastructure and communities for the impacts of a changing climate. Residents can learn more at https://www.climateresilientatl.com/#plan.
“Atlanta’s young people are not waiting to inherit the future. They are helping build it today,” said Mayor Andre Dickens. “This continued investment recognizes what we already know: when young people are given the opportunity to lead, they deliver innovative ideas that strengthen our neighborhoods and make Atlanta more resilient. We are proud that Atlanta youth continue to earn national and global recognition for their bold and enterprising work.”
Youth-Led Projects Making an Impact
Since the program launched in 2024, it has supported 30 youth-led project teams and engaged more than 1,500 young people across metro Atlanta. Projects have focused on sustainability, environmental education, neighborhood resilience and climate awareness while giving participants hands-on leadership experience.
One example is 19-year-old Ann Lin, whose team of high school and college students created Atlanta’s first database tracking microplastics in the Chattahoochee River after collecting and analyzing water samples from sites across the watershed.
Growing a Global Program
This year, Bloomberg Philanthropies selected 300 cities across six continents for the Youth Climate Action Fund, highlighting Atlanta’s continued leadership in youth-driven climate action.
The program is administered locally through a partnership between the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability and Resilience and 21st Century Leaders, helping young Atlantans turn innovative ideas into projects that benefit their communities.
Last year, the Atlanta City Council proclaimed Youth Climate Action Day in recognition of the program and the impact young people are making across the city.
