Latest news with #BezosEarthFund
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lauren Sanchez Sparks Outrage For Promoting Climate Change Awareness Weeks After All-Female Spaceflight
Lauren Sanchez has found herself at the center of controversy for delivering a climate change message weeks after participating in a historic trip to space. In an Instagram video, the philanthropist spoke about her fiancé's Earth Fund, which is sponsoring a number of "visionary teams" with grants to support their AI-related, climate change, "game-changing" ideas. However, critics were quick to call the post hypocritical, pointing out that Lauren Sanchez had recently engaged in a number of flights that left a sizable carbon footprint. Ahead of her exclusive night out in Venice, Lauren Sanchez garnered the ire of netizens after being spotted promoting climate change in a prerecorded video shared on Instagram. In the clip, Sanchez talked about the Bezos Earth Fund "tackling climate change" to "create a future where our planet thrives without compromise." She also revealed that the foundation, which was launched in 2020, has selected the first round of grantees for the Bezos Earth Fund's AI for Climate and Nature Grand Challenge. "Over the next eight weeks, these visionary teams will level up their game-changing ideas, making them ready to change real-world problems head-on," the soon-to-be wife said in the video. Those who emerge victorious after the eight weeks are up will then be handed a mouthwatering prize to pursue their ideas. "And then, up to 15 standout finalists will receive up to $2 million each to bring those bold solutions to life, so stay tuned," Sanchez added. In the post's comment section, a netizen claimed that Sanchez's message was hypocritical, given that she has been flying around in recent weeks. The journalist was one of six famous women who served as crew members on Blue Origin's recent trip to space and subsequently jetted off to Paris for her bachelorette party. She was also recently spotted with her fiancé on his $500 million superyacht, coasting across the sea. "Lol, save the planet, but I'll be on a jet flying all over the world and in space with my friends. Yeah, right, no footprint here," a user commented under Sanchez's post. "Traveling in a super yacht polluting the sea like hell, going to space for fun 11 minutes and polluting more than 1 person in a year..... definitely not an example," a second individual remarked. "Doesn't walk the talk with the jet fuel burning hen parties that could have been on Zoom," a third fellow wrote. "Girl bye. You went to space for a minute polluting the earth with tonsssss of Co2 for your own pleasure," Another annoyed person noted. Interestingly, even more carbon emissions are expected in June from Sanchez and her fiancé, Bezos, when they tie the knot in Venice. They have invited around 200 guests, including top Hollywood celebrities, many of whom will have to fly in from different parts of the world. Bezos' yacht, Koru, will also play a part in the celebration, which will likely add even more to the total carbon footprint. Back in 2023, reports revealed that the luxury superyacht releases about 7,154 tons of greenhouse gases every year, a number that is 447 times more than what an average American produces within the same period. In what appears to be an effort to counterbalance the environmental impact, the billionaire has been paying for carbon offsets. These initiatives support environmental projects that help cut down greenhouse gases in the air Meanwhile, ahead of the nuptials, a source has confirmed that the soon-to-be couple are truly into each other. "They're like two kids in their relationship; they are madly in love and have endless fun with each other," the insider said, per the Daily Mail. "Whether it is watching movies, hanging out on their yacht, having dinners, being with family and friends, it is an endless array of good times. Getting married can't happen soon enough," the source added about the lovebirds. Speaking further about their bond, the insider revealed that Sanchez always hypes her man as "perfect" to her friends. "They genuinely like each other," the insider continued. "They know what they have in life and are enjoying it to the fullest. They are each other's lottery ticket." While it is already known that Bezos and Sanchez would be having their nuptials in Venice, it reportedly won't be at any of the churches in the city. Instead, the couple is said to have picked a theater at an undisclosed location in the city to host the 200 guests they have invited. "The word is that they have booked the theater, which has been restored," a source told The U.S. Sun. "It's not your usual venue for a wedding; it would be iconic." They added, "Everyone is talking about the wedding, and it's going to be a huge celebration." According to the outlet, the venue has already blocked out dates for two weeks in June, including the days around June 24 and 26, when Sanchez and Bezos are expected to get married. It's also said that the place can be reached by water, giving guests a quieter, more private way to arrive.
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Lauren Sanchez sparks uproar after preaching about climate change just weeks after blasting off into space
is being criticized for preaching about climate change just weeks after she jetted into space for 11 minutes – and days after she was seen canoodling with husband-to-be Jeff Bezos on his $500 million superyacht in the South of France. The 55-year-old businesswoman, who is gearing up to marry the billionaire Amazon founder in the summer, spoke enthusiastically in a new Instagram video about 'tackling climate change' to 'create a future where our planet thrives without compromise.' The inspirational message came as Lauren announced the first round of grantees for The Bezos Earth Fund's AI for climate and nature grand challenge. Speaking in a pre-recorded video, Lauren said: 'We all know that AI is going to change the world, but what if it could save it as well? 'Imagine AI designing sustainable proteins, powering smarter energy grids, and turning biodiversity from just surviving into truly thriving. 'At the Bezos Earth Fund, we're making this vision a reality and I am incredibly excited to share the first round of amazing grantees for our AI for climate and nature grand challenge.' She continued: 'We received hundreds of brilliant submissions from the most innovative minds and top institutions worldwide. 'Over the next eight weeks, these visionary teams will level up their game-changing ideas, making them ready to change real-world problems head on. 'And then, up to 15 standout finalists will receive up to $2 million each to bring those bold solutions to life, so stay tuned. 'Together through innovation and determination, we're going to tackle climate change and create a future where our planet thrives without compromise.' Founded in 2020, The Bezos Earth Fund was established with the largest philanthropic commitment ever to fight climate change and protect nature. On Wednesday, the organization revealed 24 phase one grants for the particular scheme, which is focused on the power of artificial intelligence to accelerate solutions to the world's most pressing environmental challenges — from illegal fishing to decarbonizing power grids. Each selected project will receive a $50,000 grant, totaling $1.2 million in initial funding. But the hypocrisy of Lauren's video was not lost on social media users, who called into question her carbon footprint following her recent trip to space on Blue Origin, her luxurious bachelorette in Paris and trip to the South of France. Taking to the comments, one said: 'Yeah, let Lauren start flying regular flights, not on private jets, polluting the air of our planet with their pace tourism and let her eat insects that will kill her gastrointestinal tract. They're already taking people for fools.' 'Oh, so creating solutions for the problems multi-billion-dollar companies create. Pfff, okay,' another added. The hypocrisy of Lauren's video was not lost on social media users A third added: 'First she goes up to space now she's celebrating Earth Day. God is good.' 'Hypocrites,' a fourth simply said. A fifth continued: 'Traveling in a super yacht polluting the sea like hell, going to space for fun 11 minutes and pollute more than one person in a year... definitely not an example.' Lauren ignited controversy last month when she crossed the Karman Line with an all-female crew, which included Katy Perry and Gayle King. The group set off into space on Blue Origin on April 14 and together they reached an altitude of 62 miles. The trip was slammed across the globe with many branding it 'gluttonous' and 'planet destroying', while others questioned how it bettered society. Model Emily Ratajkowski, 33, was among those to blast the mission. In a video shared on her TikTok, she said she was 'disgusted,' adding, 'you're going up in a spaceship that is built and paid for by a company that's singlehandedly destroying the planet?' Lauren previously revealed the judgment to her space trip got her 'really fired up.' 'I would love to have them come to Blue Origin and see the thousands of employees that don't just work here but they put their heart and soul into this vehicle,' she said of their critics. 'They love their work, and they love the mission and it's a big deal for them.' She continued: 'So when we hear comments like that, I just say, trust me. Come with me. I'll show you what this is about, and it's, it's really eye opening.' More recently, Lauren and her future husband Jeff, 61, were photographed by Daily Mail with their hands all over each other. In extraordinary photos, the Amazon founder was spotted groping and even spanking his fiancée's bottom on his $500 million superyacht. Hot on the heels of her dazzling, multi-day bachelorette party in Paris, Lauren reunited with her fiancé and they anchored off the south coast of France.
E&E News
21-05-2025
- Business
- E&E News
Bezos Earth Fund picks 24 winners of climate and AI grants
The Bezos Earth Fund is rolling out the first phase of a $100 million grant initiative to explore how artificial intelligence can improve efforts to fight climate change and boost biodiversity. The nonprofit funded by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos announced 24 finalists for its AI Grand Challenge for Climate and Nature that will receive $50,000 each to test their ideas. In the second phase, to be announced later this year, up to 15 recipients will receive $2 million each to scale up their ideas over two years. The proposals include efforts to decarbonize the electrical grid, fight illegal fishing, turn food waste into reusable proteins, protect biodiversity and optimize the grid for renewable energy deployment. Advertisement 'Climate change and biodiversity loss are among the most pressing challenges of our time, and AI has the potential to significantly accelerate our response,' said Amen Ra Mashariki, director of AI and data strategies at the Bezos Earth Fund, in a statement.
Axios
21-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
Exclusive: Jeff Bezos' plan to find AI climate wins
The Bezos Earth Fund is unveiling the first recipients in its grant program to harness AI for biodiversity protection, sustainable proteins, improving power grids and more, according to details shared exclusively with Axios. Why it matters: While AI's energy suck gets tons of attention, the Bezos program explores how AI can further climate and ecological work. The big picture: On Wednesday, the fund is revealing the 24 grants under phase 1 of the $100 million "AI for Climate and Nature Grand Challenge" launched in 2024. Each project will receive an initial $50,000. Later this year, up to 15 of the most promising will receive $2 million. Initial recipients take part in an "innovation sprint" in which they refine the project and are matched with private-sector AI and tech experts for collaboration. Driving the news: Just a few examples of projects from university researchers and nonprofits, per the Bezos fund summaries... Essential Impact, a nonprofit biosciences group, will create an AI tool to ID fungi in under-researched regions that produce shelf-stable proteins. Cornell University researchers are creating a platform that uses artificial cells and AI to "accelerate sustainable protein design and production without live cell fermentation." The National Audubon Society will "deploy AI-powered acoustic monitors across Latin America to track bird populations and measure conservation impact." The Wildlife Conservation Society will scale an "AI-enhanced reef monitoring platform that analyzes imagery 700 times faster" to model climate impacts and protect corals. Botanic Gardens Conservation International will use AI and drone imagery to monitor hundreds of threatened timber species and detect illegal logging. The University of Witwatersrand will use AI to "enhance weather forecasting in Africa by merging new ground data with satellite inputs." The goal is to produce medium-range forecasts up to 3,500 times faster to help with climate and farming resilience. The intrigue: The program has a norm-breaking approach. It sought applicants with cool ideas and will help them leverage tech expertise, rather than making deep, longstanding AI experience the table stakes. "The way we did this grand challenge was a little different, and it was deliberate in every way," Amen Ra Mashariki, the fund's head of AI and data strategies, said in an interview. One goal is bridging the gap between front-line environmental work and advanced tech innovation. "We want climate and nature experts, climate and nature people who have been on the ground solving these problems. We want to bring you into this AI revolution," he said. State of play: There's a lot of interest in using AI for environmental aims. Mashariki said the program received over 1,200 proposals and considered ways the fund could best accelerate solutions.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lauren Sanchez Embraces High-gloss Glamour in Strapless Gown With Larger Than Life Diamond at Cannes' Global Gift Gala
Lauren Sánchez made an official appearance at the 78th Annual Cannes Film Festival on Monday, attending the Global Gift Gala, where she was honored with the Global Gift Women Empowerment Aware for her advocacy through the Bezos Earth Fund and This Is About Humanity. The children's book author and fiancée of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos posed on the white carpet alongside Eva Longoria in a sleek, strapless gown fit for the festival's black-tie standard. Sánchez wore a form-fitting black gown featuring a structured bodice with a sweetheart neckline. The design was embellished with intricate sequin detailing, while the skirt fanned into a soft, cascading silhouette with a dripping effect at the hips. Her shoes, which barely peeked out from her train, featured a sharp box toe. More from WWD How Halle Berry's Cannes Stiletto Strategy Marries Sculptural Drama and Elegance for Chopard Universe Gala Rihanna Cuts a Sculptural Silhouette in Sky Blue Alaïa Gown Draping Her Baby Bump at Cannes Isabelle Huppert Flips the Script With Backward Denim Jacket at Cannes Film Festival 2025 She kept accessories classic, opting for a diamond-encrusted choker featuring a square-cut center stone and matching oversized diamond stud earrings. For glam, Sánchez styled her hair in an updo, with a soft side-parted bang framing her face. Her beauty look included a diffused smoky eye and a glossy pink lip for a polished finish. Earlier in the festival, Sánchez found herself at the center of an amusing case of mistaken identity. A lookalike couple, complete with dark sunglasses, a bow tie, and a strapless gown, drew attention from festivalgoers who mistook them for the Blue Origin executive and the Amazon founder at the 'Dossier 137 (Case 137)' premiere. Sánchez has leaned into classic Hollywood glamour in recent appearances. In April, she attended the 2025 Breakthrough Prize ceremony in a vintage 1994 John Galliano gown once worn by Sophia Loren. 'I wore a little piece of history,' she shared on Instagram. 'This 1994 John Galliano dress was once worn by the legendary Sophia Loren — an icon of strength and timeless beauty.' Co-chaired by Eva Longoria and María Bravo, the 12th annual Global Gift Gala featured performances by Laura Pausini and the Gipsy Reyes Heritage, and included a live auction to benefit charitable initiatives such as Casa Ángeles in Marbella, Spain, and an orphanage in Vietnam. The 2025 Cannes Film Festival concludes on May 24. Films premiering at this year's festival include Wes Anderson's 'The Phoenician Scheme,' Julia Ducournau's 'Alpha' and Lynne Ramsay's 'Die, My Love.' View Gallery Launch Gallery: Lauren Sanchez's Style Through the Years: An Evolution of Sensual Power Dressing, Photos Best of WWD Inside Jackie Kennedy's Three Engagement Rings: Untold Stories of the Love, Loss and Luxury Behind Her Iconic Jewelry Vittoria Ceretti's Runway Modeling & Red Carpet Photos Through the Years [PHOTOS] Zara Tindall's Royal Style Through the Years: Equestrian Influences, Formal Occasions and More, Photos
