At the third annual Clinton Global Initiative philanthropic soiree
yesterday, actor Brad Pitt pledged $5 million in matching funds to
build about 150 green homes in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward
neighborhood, one of the most troubled areas in the city. “We’re going
to help make it right with 150 sustainable, affordable houses — houses
that stand out for their design both aesthetically and structurally, so
that these people can live in beautiful safe structures that respect
their spirit and provide a good quality of life,” said Pitt.
Real-estate bigwig Steve Bing also pledged $5 million in matching funds
for the effort. Other green announcements at the CGI included power
company Florida Power & Light unveiling its plans for a
300-megawatt solar thermal plant, as one part of a $2.4 billion
initiative. That broad initiative would also see an additional solar
thermal plant in California, and would provide millions in funding to
help power users reduce their consumption. Still other funding pledged
at the high-profile conference included money for education and health
initiatives for especially needy areas around the world.
sources:
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Reuters