Amazon founder and chief executive Jeff Bezos has pledged $ 10bn (£7.7bn) of his personal wealth to fighting climate change.
Mr Bezos, who is one of the world’s richest people with an Amazon stake worth $ 100bn alone, told followers on Instagram a new Bezos Earth Fund would start to distribute cash within months.
He said he plans to begin awarding grants this summer to scientists, activists and non-profit organisations.
The billionaire said in a post on Instagram: “Climate change is the biggest threat to our planet.
“I want to work alongside others both to amplify known ways and to explore new ways of fighting the devastating impact of climate change on this planet we all share.”
He added: “We can save Earth.
“It’s going to take collective action from big companies, small companies, nation states, global organisations, and individuals.
“I’m committing $ 10bn to start and will begin issuing grants this summer.
“Earth is the one thing we all have in common – let’s protect it, together.”
Bezos has been under pressure to do more on the environment – with workers at the company’s own headquarters in Seattle vocal in their criticism of Amazon’s practices.
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The online retailer relies on fossil fuels to power planes, lorries and vans to ship billions of items all around the world.
The company did commit last year to have 100% of its energy use come from solar panels and other renewable energy by 2030.