Unilever has set out a range of measures and commitments designed to tackle climate change and protect the natural environment. The consumer goods giant is aiming to achieve net zero emissions from all its products by 2039, 11 years ahead of the Paris Agreement deadline.
To accelerate its various environmental initiatives, Unilever’s brands will collectively invest €1bn in a new dedicated Climate & Nature Fund. This will be used over the next ten years to take “meaningful and decisive” action, with projects including landscape restoration, reforestation, carbon sequestration, wildlife protection and water preservation.
The net zero emission target is an extension of efforts already underway to cut emissions within the business by 2030, such as reducing electricity consumption within offices.
New initiatives will build on existing work already underway, such as a drive by its Ben & Jerry’s to reduce GHG emissions from dairy farms; Seventh Generation advocating for clean energy for all; and Knorr supporting farmers to grow food more sustainably.
Unilever’s CEO Alan Jope said: “While the world is dealing with the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, and grappling with serious issues of inequality, we can’t let ourselves forget that the climate crisis is still a threat to all of us. Climate change, nature degradation, biodiversity decline, water scarcity – all these issues are interconnected, and we must address them all simultaneously.
“In doing so, we must also recognise that the climate crisis is not only an environmental emergency; it also has a terrible impact on lives and livelihoods. We, therefore, have a responsibility to help tackle the crisis: as a business, and through direct action by our brands.”
