2020 has been a challenging year for all, but it has also led to many important milestones for the private sector.
As we begin the so-called Decade of Action to achieve the UN’s sustainable development goals, the private sector is stepping up the fight against climate change to create meaningful results. While there’s still a long road ahead, companies are making innovative strides throughout their sectors.
Take a look at these companies making a difference:
Big Tech is no stranger to using disruption and innovation in business practices, and they’re using the same strategy on climate action. Google is paving the way by establishing an ambitious environmental commitment: having all operations rely purely on carbon-free energy by 2030. In addition to this announcement, the company has purchased enough carbon offsets to essentially cancel out carbon dioxide emissions that they have released since the company’s founding in 1998.
Microsoft is raising the bar even higher by committing to be carbon negative by 2030 and removing its carbon pollution since its founding from the atmosphere by 2050.
The beauty industry is also investing in sustainability across their products and operations. Recently, major beauty company The Estée Lauder Companies achieved net zero carbon emissions and sourced 100% renewable energy globally for direct operations by reducing its operational carbon footprint through high-quality solutions.
Even sectors new to long-term climate commitments are stepping up to the plate. The retail sector has started enacting climate commitments across operations. Walmart has recently announced its goal to become a regenerative company in order to address the growing climate crisis.
Regardless of industry, it’s clear that the private sector is taking action and promoting the protection of our ecosystems. While there’s still a lot more work to be done to solve the climate crisis, there is hope for a more sustainable future.