Amid a shift in climate strategy, Jeff Bezos' Earth Fund has ceased financial support for the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), which has been crucial in evaluating corporate emissions reductions in line with the Paris Climate Agreement. This move coincides with Donald Trump’s formal withdrawal from the agreement, prompting questions about the future of Bezos' environmental commitments.
Bezos Shifts Climate Strategy, Halts Funding for Major Environmental Initiative
Bezos Shifts Climate Strategy, Halts Funding for Major Environmental Initiative
Jeff Bezos' Earth Fund ends its financial support for the Science Based Targets Initiative amid changing climate policies.
The Earth Fund previously provided substantial funding of £14.5 million to SBTi in 2021, but that grant is set to expire in 2024. As a result, SBTi is now left to seek alternative financial backing. This funding cut follows suggestions that Bezos and advisors previously aligned with former U.S. climate envoy John Kerry were advocating for increased corporate dependency on carbon credits, an approach criticized for potentially lacking long-term efficacy.
Despite the reduction in support for SBTi, Bezos remains actively engaged in climate efforts, having highlighted the urgency of environmental issues at a recent New York Times event. His foundation still supports projects like the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and the World Resources Institute.
In addition to revising his climate strategy, Bezos is establishing a stronger foothold in the defense sector through Amazon. The company recently landed a £670,000 consultancy contract with the UK’s Ministry of Defence to delve into space-based communication systems. This initiative falls under Amazon’s satellite project, Project Kuiper, which aims to integrate military and private satellite networks.
An industry source revealed that Amazon Kuiper executives are aggressively pursuing contracts within the British defense sector as preparations intensify for a new generation of military communication satellites, including the £5 billion Skynet 6 program. Notably, Amazon has also received licenses from the UK telecom regulator Ofcom to provide satellite broadband services, sharpening competition with Elon Musk's Starlink.
As Bezos navigates these dual tracks of climate funding reduction and increased defense commitments, the implications of his strategic pivot raise questions about his future priorities in both sectors. While it remains uncertain whether this marks a permanent shift, it's evident that Bezos’ influence continues to expand across environmental and military initiatives.
Despite the reduction in support for SBTi, Bezos remains actively engaged in climate efforts, having highlighted the urgency of environmental issues at a recent New York Times event. His foundation still supports projects like the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and the World Resources Institute.
In addition to revising his climate strategy, Bezos is establishing a stronger foothold in the defense sector through Amazon. The company recently landed a £670,000 consultancy contract with the UK’s Ministry of Defence to delve into space-based communication systems. This initiative falls under Amazon’s satellite project, Project Kuiper, which aims to integrate military and private satellite networks.
An industry source revealed that Amazon Kuiper executives are aggressively pursuing contracts within the British defense sector as preparations intensify for a new generation of military communication satellites, including the £5 billion Skynet 6 program. Notably, Amazon has also received licenses from the UK telecom regulator Ofcom to provide satellite broadband services, sharpening competition with Elon Musk's Starlink.
As Bezos navigates these dual tracks of climate funding reduction and increased defense commitments, the implications of his strategic pivot raise questions about his future priorities in both sectors. While it remains uncertain whether this marks a permanent shift, it's evident that Bezos’ influence continues to expand across environmental and military initiatives.
