The Problem with Voluntary Corporate Climate Commitments
It’s never easy for environmentalists to succeed. And I never want to be ungrateful for everyone’s hard work. Nor take for granted the significant progress we’ve made.
But when I see smoke, I ring the alarm bell.
The last few years have been a golden era for voluntary corporate commitments to reduce carbon emissions. Some two-thirds of the world’s largest companies now have net-zero targets. This is a remarkable feat and a credit to all who fought so hard to get us here.
But will these targets be achieved? Can we count on corporations to do as they’ve promised?
It’s doubtful. Voluntary commitments are a fickle ally — weak in resolve and not well-positioned to weather tough storms.