Unfortunately, many companies and businesses all over the world are contributing to the propulsion of climate change and the destruction of our earth. It is no surprise that out of these companies, automotive companies are one of the leading contributors to climate change as cars are one of the most common and heaviest polluters. However, many companies have recognized the threat of climate change and have taken eco-friendly steps to minimize their contribution to it. One of the leading companies is Ford, a well-known automotive company. 

Ford has recognized and publicly addressed the issue of climate change. In order to show their concern and public support of eco-friendly policies, Ford has committed to reduce CO2 emissions (currently the only automotive company in the US to do so). They have joined various councils such as the CEO Climate Dialogue and the Climate Leadership Council, and even made bold claims such as achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and using renewable energy 100% of the time for all of their manufacturing plants by 2035.  

To support these claims, Ford has already taken many steps. One of the things they did was start replacing their manufacturing plants to reduce carbon emissions. One example they proudly present is their New Central Energy Plant located in Dearborn, Michigan. They claim that the plant will produce significantly less carbon emissions and will use 10 times less natural gases, 250 percent less electricity, and 35 percent reduction in energy use compared to the average power plant. Their website states that the plant will use 100% renewable energy by January 2021, which means that the plant would already be using 100% renewable energy by the time you’re reading this report.

Another step Ford has taken was aiming for proper waste management. They state that they will continue to follow the “reduce, reuse, and recycle” model by recollecting whatever waste they generate and reusing the resources from the waste to create new products. They also claim on their website that “By 2023, we aim to reduce, and eventually eliminate, single-use plastics from our operations.” Aluminum scrap from plants, post-consumer carpet, recycled tires, agave fiber, paper bills taken out of the economy, and nylon fishing nets are all various things listed in their website that Ford aims to recycle and reuse for their products. 

More companies and businesses in the world must start addressing the issue of climate change and take eco-friendly steps to minimize their greenhouse gas emissions and waste sent to landfills. Companies also need to realize that although taking these steps may take away a portion of the revenue they generate, their business still has every possibility to thrive. Bob Holycross, the Vice President of Chief Sustainability and the Environment and Safety Officer for Ford explains it best: “We believe that making great vehicles and maintaining a strong business don’t have to be at the cost of protecting our planet. These priorities are dependent on each other and aren’t mutually exclusive.”

Sources:

https://corporate.ford.com/microsites/sustainability-report-2020/protecting-our-planet.html

https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/ex/sustainablecitiescollective/9-companies-great-environmental-initiatives/1193165/