IBM Commits Up To $45M to Climate Adaptation, Starting With New RFP for Resilient Cities

Rhea-AI Summary

IBM announces a 50% increase in investment in the IBM Sustainability Accelerator, committing up to $45 million over the next five years. The new RFP aligns with the United Nations SDG 11, focusing on making cities safe, resilient, and sustainable. IBM will collaborate with EY to enhance support for program participants.

Insights

Environmental Economist

An increase in investment by IBM in its Sustainability Accelerator program, particularly by 50%, is a significant move that highlights the growing intersection between technology, corporate responsibility and environmental sustainability. From an economic standpoint, this initiative can be seen as a strategic investment into what is increasingly becoming a 'green economy'. By aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11, IBM is not only contributing to global sustainability efforts but also potentially positioning itself favorably in the market as a leader in corporate sustainability.

Moreover, the focus on urban areas is pertinent given the forecasted urbanization trends, which can exacerbate the impacts of climate change. By providing technology-driven solutions for city resiliency, IBM is essentially investing in infrastructure that could lead to more sustainable urban development. This can have long-term economic benefits by potentially reducing costs associated with climate change impacts and by creating markets for new technologies and services.

Sustainability Expert

IBM's commitment through the Sustainability Accelerator to enhance city resiliency aligns with growing global recognition of the need for sustainable urban planning. The application of IBM technology, such as AI and data platforms, in addressing environmental threats is a forward-thinking approach that leverages digital innovation for social good. The collaboration with EY further strengthens the potential for impactful outcomes by providing organizational development and capacity-building workshops, which are crucial for the successful implementation and scaling of sustainability projects.

Moreover, the emphasis on transparency in measurement and reporting reflects a broader industry trend towards accountability in sustainability initiatives. This approach is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of such programs and for building trust with stakeholders. The success of this program could serve as a model for other corporations, potentially spurring a wave of similar investments across different sectors.

Technology Analyst

The involvement of IBM's technologies, including AI and data platforms like IBM Watson, in the Sustainability Accelerator program, is a testament to the transformative potential of AI in addressing complex societal challenges. As urban areas continue to grow, the integration of such technologies can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of climate change mitigation strategies. The use of AI can aid in predictive analysis, resource management and the optimization of emergency response mechanisms in cities, contributing to the long-term sustainability and resilience of urban infrastructures.

This investment not only showcases IBM's capabilities in AI but also signals the company's commitment to innovation in the service of societal benefits. The collaboration with EY could potentially enhance the program's reach and effectiveness by combining technological prowess with organizational expertise. Such partnerships could set a precedent for how technology companies can play a pivotal role in sustainable development.

• IBM will increase investment in the IBM Sustainability Accelerator by 50%, committing up to $45 million in cash and in-kind donations over the next five years.
• New RFP will align with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: making cities safe, resilient and sustainable.
• IBM will collaborate with the EY organization to strengthen the opportunities and knowledge support available to program participants.

ARMONK, N.Y., March 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Aligned with United Nations SDG 11, IBM (NYSE: IBM) announced today a new request for proposals from government and non-profit organizations for the IBM Sustainability Accelerator, focused on technology-driven projects to advance city resiliency. IBM also announced that it would increase investment in the pro-bono social impact program by 50%, committing to make up to $45 million in cash and in-kind donations of technology and services available over the next five years. The IBM Sustainability Accelerator applies IBM technology, including IBM watsonx, an AI and data platform and AI assistants, to support populations vulnerable to environmental threats around the world, with a new RFP and sustainability topic announced each year.

UN Habitat¹ forecasts that the world will continue to urbanize over the next three decades, with the share of people living in urban areas increasing from 56 percent in 2021 to 68 percent by 2050. The disproportionate impacts of climate change can challenge capacity for sustainable urban development and planning, as cities around the world work to address priorities like emissions levels, intensifying climate risks, environmental justice and more.

"After three years working to improve lives and uplift vulnerable communities around the world, we're proud to recognize the success of the IBM Sustainability Accelerator by strengthening both our impact and our investment in the program," said Justina Nixon-Saintil, IBM Vice President and Chief Impact Officer. "We look forward to working with a new cohort of partners to transform the cities we live in, and to deploy solutions that harness the potential of artificial intelligence to build a more resilient future."

This year, the program will introduce a new strategic collaboration with EY to strengthen the participant experience and amplify the impact of the IBM Sustainability Accelerator. EY will contribute to the resilient cities cohort by providing support during the RFP selection process, organizational development coaching from EY teams, and capacity-building workshops that will build upon the leadership development and professional mentoring opportunities available to program participants.

The evaluation and selection criteria for the global RFP will consider applicants' level of support to communities especially vulnerable to urban environmental threats; the feasibility and sustainability of proposed technology solutions for climate change mitigation; and applicants' transparency on measurement and reporting, among other considerations.

Nonprofit and government initiatives focused on city resiliency and urban climate adaptation can apply to the RFP beginning March 6, 2024, until the end of the submission window on April 30, 2024. Selected participants will be announced later in the year.

Questions about the IBM Sustainability Accelerator program and the new RFP can be directed to sustainability.accelerator@ibm.com.

About the IBM Sustainability Accelerator
Launched in 2022, the IBM Sustainability Accelerator is a social impact program that addresses environmental threats impacting vulnerable communities around the world. Each year, the program selects about five projects to scale technology and AI solutions within a new sustainability topic area. To date, the IBM Sustainability Accelerator has supported 15 global projects across three active cohorts, focused on sustainable agriculture, clean energy and water management. For more information: https://www.ibm.com/impact/initiatives/ibm-sustainability-accelerator/cities

CONTACT
Carmen San Segundo
Global Communications Director, ESG and CSR
carmenssg@ibm.com

¹ https://unhabitat.org/sites/default/files/2022/06/wcr_2022.pdf

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SOURCE IBM

FAQ

What is IBM's new investment in the IBM Sustainability Accelerator?

IBM is increasing its investment in the IBM Sustainability Accelerator by 50%, committing up to $45 million over the next five years.

What does the new RFP from IBM align with?

The new request for proposals from IBM aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11, focusing on making cities safe, resilient, and sustainable.

Who is IBM collaborating with to enhance support for program participants?

IBM is collaborating with the EY organization to strengthen the opportunities and knowledge support available to program participants.

When can nonprofit and government initiatives apply to the RFP?

Nonprofit and government initiatives focused on city resiliency and urban climate adaptation can apply to the RFP from March 6, 2024, until the end of the submission window on April 30, 2024.

What are the evaluation criteria for the global RFP from IBM?

The evaluation criteria for the global RFP will consider applicants' support to vulnerable communities, feasibility and sustainability of proposed technology solutions, and transparency on measurement and reporting.