Clinton raises billions for world issues

NEW YORK – A conference hosted by
Bill Clinton on world problems ended Friday with the former president announcing a total of $7.3 billion in pledges to help reduce global warming and fight Third World poverty, disease and ethnic strife.

The three-day Clinton Global Initiative, which attracted world leaders, corporate titans and celebrities, produced at least 215 commitments of financial support to a range of projects supported by the Clinton Foundation. Last year’s gathering produced 300 commitments worth $2.5 billion

A day after British business mogul Richard Branson pledged $3 billion to battle global warming, Clinton on Friday announced the launch of a $1 billion investment fund for renewable energy.

Clinton said the new Green Fund would focus on reducing pollution and dependence on fossil fuels and creating jobs.

AP