The world’s largest companies, including Starbucks, Walmart and Nike have pledged to adopt 100 per cent renewable energy practices in a global move towards combating climate change.
The companies will join the RE100 campaign, an initiative aimed at pushing the world’s most influential companies to commit to 100% renewable power.
A Global Shift Towards Renewables
Non-profit organisation, The Climate Group, declared the new additions to their campaign during this week’s talks at Climate Week NYC – a forum designed to raise awareness and action on climate issues.
RE100 members include giants such as Golman Sachs, Johnson & Johnson, Nike, Starbucks and Walmart, which are all new additions to the campaign while Ikea, H&M and Marks&Spencer are among the 30 pre-existing members.
“Our mission is to help people live longer, healthier and happier lives. We understand the intrinsic link between a healthy environment and human health,” said Johnson & Johnson CEO, Alex Gorsky.
According RE100, the private sector accounts for over 50% of global electricity consumption.
This campaign targets the private sector with an aim to encourage wide-scale renewable energy adoption and more transparent reporting mechanisms, such as ESG measures.
The Climate Group have implemented strict measures for companies to meet before being dubbed 100% renewable.
Companies are required to consume energy from a range of renewable resources, including biomass, geothermal, solar, water and wind sources, while The Climate Group will closely monitor company performance based on these measures.
Pressure Builds for Paris Climate Talks
In the lead up to December’s COP21 in Paris, support for renewable energy is high on the agenda of businesses and governments alike.
The push for renewable energy action comes as a timely reminder to political leaders that big business is ready for stronger domestic and international action on climate change.
The Climate Group has played an active role in pushing for important environmental action in the lead up to Paris, so much so the group is hosting an event for the business and political community called “Securing a Paris Dividend: Leadership and innovation for a strong, sustainable economy”.
Some have criticised The Climate Group for using soft, no obligation measures which do not bind companies to performance in anyway, unlike the legally binding Kyoto Protocol, which the US infamously rejected.
Furthermore, predictions have suggested the international community is a long way from its goal of limiting temperature rises to 2 degrees Celsius, leading to many suggesting that while any action is positive, desperate times call for stronger and faster action.
