10 Ways to Mitigate Climate Change

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Table of Contents

• 95% of Apple’s Supply Chain Commits to 100% Renewa …

• The Main Plastic Polluters

• 10 Ways to Mitigate Climate Change - This Week’s P …

• Learn More

95% of Apple’s Supply Chain Commits to 100% Renewable Energy Use by 2030

As businesses continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities of integrating sustainability into their operations, the concept of sustainability as a differentiator is becoming increasingly significant, especially in the context of vendor selection and partnership commitments. The recent announcement from Apple reflects a broader shift toward sustainability in corporate strategies.

Apple set ambitious targets to decarbonize its supply chain by 2030, with a remarkable 95% of its suppliers committing to use 100% renewable energy for Apple production. These targets underscore the importance of sustainable practices in reducing overall carbon footprints and illustrate the critical role of vendor commitments in achieving these goals. By requiring suppliers to report on their Scope 1, Scope 2, and sometimes Scope 3 emissions and making these disclosures a key criterion in business partnerships, Apple is enhancing global supply chain sustainability and transparency.

Apple is not alone in this endeavor. Kraft Heinz, Sodexo, and ODP Business Solutions (formally known as Office Depot Business Solutions Division) are leading examples of companies actively integrating sustainability into their operations. Each has set ambitious science-based targets to significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions across various scopes by specific deadlines.

These corporations prioritize sustainability within their direct operations but also require their suppliers and partners to adopt similar environmental goals. This approach fosters a positive environmental impact, building resilience and driving innovation. This collective movement towards sustainability is not just about corporate responsibility but is also shaping up as a strategic advantage in business operations, influencing decisions in vendor selection and partnerships across industries​​.

These examples serve as a powerful reminder of why businesses should view sustainability not merely as a regulatory or ethical obligation but as a strategic lever that can differentiate them in a competitive marketplace. This strategy fosters a positive environmental impact and builds resilience and innovation, paving the way for long-term success and sustainability in the modern business landscape.

The Main Plastic Polluters

Researchers, who used a team of over 100,000 volunteers to catalogue over 1.8 million pieces of plastic waste, found that 56 companies were responsible for more than 50 percent of branded plastic waste globally.

This was a large study conducted to audit branded plastic pollution sources across the globe. Of the 1.8 million pieces found, only half had visible brands. It demonstrated a direct correlation between the amount of plastic produced and the amount of plastic pollution littered. For instance, if a company accounts for 1% of plastic bottles being sold, they also accounted for 1% of plastic pollution.

Many of these large producers already have robust programs focused on waste reduction, recycling and environmental sustainability. The results indicate that these efforts have a limited impact and that plastic pollution remains correlated to total plastic production versus mitigation efforts.

Companies called out in the study responded with effective and less than effective communications. Coca-Cola referred to its "World Without Waste" program and recommitted to its established recyclability goals. Altria on the other hand deflected criticism by saying: "The study includes data from more than 80 countries, yet Altria's cigarette company Philip Morris USA, only operates in the US." Regardless of your corporate structure, it's never a good communications strategy to highlight your stake in a cigarette company to deny any wrongdoing.

10 Ways to Mitigate Climate Change - This Week’s Podcast

On this week’s podcast, we delve into 3 ways to mitigate climate change - behavioral change, policies, and technology.

Driving change requires many more strategies. Below are 10 ways to mitigate climate change.

Here are some key considerations:

1. Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The primary factor driving climate change is the accumulation of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). Efforts to mitigate climate change must focus on reducing emissions from major sources such as energy production, transportation, industry, agriculture, and land use.

2. Transitioning to Renewable Energy: Shifting away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal power is crucial. This transition not only reduces GHG emissions but also decreases air and water pollution, enhancing public health and environmental quality.

3. Energy Efficiency: Improving energy efficiency across all sectors can significantly reduce energy consumption and related emissions. This includes upgrading infrastructure, implementing energy-efficient technologies, and promoting conservation measures.

4. Adopting Sustainable Practices in Agriculture: Agricultural activities contribute to GHG emissions through practices such as deforestation, livestock production, and the use of synthetic fertilizers. Adopting sustainable agricultural practices like agroforestry, organic farming, and improved soil management can mitigate emissions while promoting resilience to climate change.

5. Protecting and Restoring Ecosystems: Healthy ecosystems act as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Protecting and restoring forests, wetlands, mangroves, and other natural habitats can enhance carbon sequestration while conserving biodiversity and providing numerous co-benefits.

6. Transitioning to Low-carbon Transportation: Decarbonizing the transportation sector involves promoting electric vehicles, improving public transportation infrastructure, investing in alternative fuels like hydrogen, and implementing policies to reduce vehicle emissions and promote active transportation modes like walking and cycling.

7. Enhancing Resilience and Adaptation: Climate change is already causing significant impacts, including more frequent and severe extreme weather events. Building resilience and adapting to these changes requires investments in infrastructure, disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and community-based adaptation measures.

8. International Cooperation and Policy Frameworks: Climate change is a global challenge that requires collective action. International cooperation through agreements like the Paris Agreement is essential for setting emission reduction targets, facilitating technology transfer, and providing financial support to developing countries.

9. Public Awareness and Education: Increasing public awareness about the causes and impacts of climate change is crucial for building support for mitigation efforts. Education, outreach, and communication campaigns can empower individuals and communities to take action and advocate for policy changes.

10. Innovation and Technology Development: Continued research, innovation, and technology development are essential for advancing low-carbon solutions, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing climate resilience across various sectors.

By addressing these factors comprehensively and collaboratively, it's possible to mitigate the impacts of climate change and transition to a more sustainable and resilient future.

Learn More

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