New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg endorsed President Barack Obama Thursday following a destructive storm that "brought the stakes of Tuesday’s presidential election into sharp relief," Bloomberg wrote on his personal website.

The New York Times reported that Bloomberg, a political independent, has been critical of both Obama and Republican opponent Mitt Romney. Following Hurricane Sandy, Bloomberg decided Obama could better tackle global climate change.

"Our climate is changing," Bloomberg wrote. "And while the increase in extreme weather we have experienced in New York City and around the world may or may not be the result of it, the risk that it might be – given this week's devastation – should compel all elected leaders to take immediate action."

Shortly after the announcement, Vice President Joe Biden referred to the endorsement as a call for the country to "work together," ABC News reported.