Climate Policy News You Can Use
Thank you for your interest in EDF’s Climate Policy Leadership newsletter.
Published: July 8, 2023 by Daniel Neff
Each month, we share the latest U.S. climate policy news, key upcoming advocacy opportunities for companies, relevant events, and exciting EDF updates.
To those current subscribers, thanks as always for reading, and please reach out with any feedback or questions.
Climate Policy News You Can Use Editions
Qualifications Climate Corps seeks graduate students with analytical and project management backgrounds who are excited to make an impact through smart energy and climate solutions. Fellows are chosen for their ability to perform quantitative analyses, manage projects and help facilitate organizational change. Our core fellowship requirements are: Climate Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In […]
By: Jane Eisenhardt Wrapping up Baku and the message for business is clear: we are officially in the era of implementation. Over the past four years, a growing wave of companies, cities, states and financial institutions made ambitious climate commitments. Since COP26 in Glasgow, over 15,500 entities committed to net zero through the Race to […]
The use and production of fertilizer in agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and a major cause of pollution in the nation’s rivers and lakes. Agriculture is the largest global source of nitrogen pollution, and annual damages from nitrogen pollution are estimated to exceed $200 billion in the US. Enhancing nitrogen use efficiency […]
By Helen Spence-Jackson and Thorfinn Stainforth The European Commission has just proposed a new 2040 climate target of -90% greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from 1990 levels. At the same time a recent official scientific report shows that there is still a lot of hard work and policy setting to do to reach it. While reaching […]
A new survey of agricultural lenders in the upper Midwest reveals important insights about their perceptions and support for farmers’ conservation efforts. As the first of its kind, the survey can inform agricultural lending institutions’ climate and sustainability strategy development. Farmers rely on agricultural lending institutions for loans to cover equipment, land and operating expenses. […]
During the summer of 2023, Kansas endured a historic heat wave with temperatures soaring above 110°F in some areas. As climate change continues to intensify, the frequency and severity of extreme heat are projected to increase. Are Kansas farmers at risk of losing money in the face of these extreme growing conditions? A new study […]
By Anna Hirai, Legal & General Investment Management, and Andrew Howell, CFA, Environmental Defense Fund Aligning the maritime shipping sector with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target requires an all-hands-on-deck approach. This includes financial institutions, given the important role that finance plays in this asset-heavy sector. Maritime shipping touches around 90% of globally traded goods and […]
By Vrashabh Kapate Editor’s note: On April 24, 2024, Clover Sonoma and Starbucks joined the Dairy Methane Action Alliance. Led by food and dairy giants the Bel Group, Danone, General Mills, Kraft Heinz, Lactalis USA, and Nestlé, as well as the Environmental Defense Fund, the Dairy Methane Action Alliance (DMAA) launched at COP28 last week […]
Amid growing concerns about the environmental impact of single-use plastics, consumers have increasingly sought out alternatives made with renewable materials—as demonstrated by the rise in popularity of the paper straw. Unfortunately, this summer many eco-conscious consumers were devastated to learn of a recent analysis of drinking straws that detected PFAS in paper straws.1 These […]
By Sean Hackett The dire need to slash greenhouse gas and methane emissions from the global oil and gas sector is driving a surge of investors to advocate for stronger climate policies that accelerate the energy transition and mitigate risks. The transition to a low-carbon economy is already well underway. By embracing climate policies and […]
After a whirlwind and inspiring New York Climate Week, I’m looking ahead to COP28 and reflecting on the key themes that I want to carry forward. This year more than ever, food and agriculture sector issues were front of mind in the conversation, given companies even more opportunities and resources to take action. I came […]
By Elizabeth Arenz Hosbein When I graduated from Harvard Business School with a resume in finance, it was perhaps unexpected that I joined Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), a leading environmental NGO, to spend a fellowship year investigating private equity (PE) from the outside. I had big questions to answer: to what extent are PE firms […]
Where to find EDF +Business at New York Climate Week 2023 EDF +Business leaders and experts attending Climate Week: Lea Borkenhagen, Senior Vice President, EDF +Business Elaine Gowdy, AVP of EDF +Business Strategic Operations Victoria Mills, Managing Director, Climate Policy Leadership Elizabeth Sturcken, Managing Director, Net Zero Value Chains Andrew Howell, Senior Director, Sustainable Finance […]
The past year has seen a slew of historic climate investments and a growing focus among businesses and the finance sector on opportunities in the energy transition. As clean energy grows, risks to the oil and gas industry are evolving at a rapid pace. Natural gas pipelines are ubiquitous throughout the United States and pipeline […]
by Deanna Coleman and Dana Rodriguez Maritime shipping occupies a central position in the global supply chain: nearly 100,000 commercial vessels move 11 billion tons of goods each year, accounting for about 90% of global trade volume. Responsible for approximately 3% of global GHG emissions, the maritime industry is currently not on track to play […]
The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City’s 2023 Agricultural Symposium, “The Changing Geography of Agricultural Production,” explored the factors driving changes in where and how agricultural commodities are produced, disruptions that are leading to further geographical differences, and the role of investments and farm policy in the years ahead. I had the honor of joining […]
BPA, a chemical used in some food packaging, is harmful at lower levels than previously thought The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is the European Union’s agency providing impartial scientific information and advice on food safety matters. Last month, EFSA concluded a final opinion on bisphenol A (BPA), which lowered the safe level of BPA […]
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is the most significant climate victory for sustainable investment in U.S. history. The provisions of the IRA will pave the way towards a net zero future by ensuring that we reach a 42% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Now, the private sector needs to follow up with bold […]
Renewable energy is now cheaper than fossil fuels, which presents a huge opportunity to cut costs and emissions in commercial buildings. Switching to solar energy in the U.S. could reduce commercial property owners’ electricity costs by an average of 75%. Building retrofits with existing climate technologies can cut energy use in commercial buildings by 40%, […]
On average, two-thirds of food sector companies’ emissions are generated by farm-level production. Advancing climate-smart farming practices is critical to bringing those emissions down and meeting corporate and U.S.-wide climate goals. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is a game-changer for American food and agriculture companies, and for the farmers in their supply chains. The IRA […]
By Dominic Watson and Sudhanshu Mathur ExxonMobil is at a crossroads. Flush with cash, the company is reported to be eyeing an acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources, the third-largest oil producer in the booming Permian Basin. Meanwhile, under pressure for its environmental performance, the company faces a shareholder resolution calling for improved disclosure of its greenhouse gas […]
The shipping industry will be gathering in Singapore this month, and carbon emissions will be high on the agenda. Maritime shipping is essential to today’s extended supply chains but is a major emissions source –making up 3% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. Without rapid action to reshape maritime fueling, shipping emissions could increase 130% from […]
Methane emissions from the oil and gas industry have leapt to the top of the global climate agenda. Investors are increasingly concerned with financial, regulatory, and reputational risks associated with this potent source of climate warming. But one stubborn challenge has persisted for operators, regulators, and investors alike: quantifying how much methane is emitted from […]
Climate change is projected to impact agricultural production worldwide, and 87% of agricultural finance institutions in a recent survey expect it to present risks to their business. Meanwhile, only 24% significantly factor climate change into their decision-making processes. A new guide from EDF and Deloitte offers five strategies for agricultural finance institutions to manage climate […]
By Sean Hackett EPA’s recent comment period for proposed regulations to address methane emissions from the U.S. oil and gas industry resulted in historic industry support to reduce this extremely potent greenhouse gas. From super majors and small independent producers to global asset managers and individual consumers, many commenters came together around a common goal: […]
The extremely wet spring of 2019 caused 14.2 million acres of cropland to go unplanted in the Midwest. Farmers across the region had flooded fields that kept them from getting equipment onto the fields to plant their crops. This resulted in over $4 billion of prevent-plant crop insurance claims, which assists farmers when weather conditions […]
1. A new law paves the way for policy advancements and there’s more work to be done For over 80 years, the cosmetic industry has been deeply underregulated. FDA has historically depended on voluntary compliance and guidance, even for product recalls. Late last year, Congress passed the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022, the first […]
High-quality tropical forest carbon credits are essential to combatting climate change, advancing community-led development and safeguarding biodiversity By: Mark Moroge, Vice President, Natural Climate Solutions and Breanna Lujan, Senior Manager, Natural Climate Solutions If you’re a company, navigating the tropical forest carbon credit marketplace can be daunting, particularly in a complex media landscape. How should […]
Reducing methane now is one of the fastest ways to slow global warming in the near term, and a critical part of avoiding the worst consequences of climate change. Agricultural emissions from livestock and rice are approximately 40% of human-caused global methane emissions. At the same time, rice and livestock are key dietary staples around […]
Even if we completely eliminated fossil fuel emissions today, global food system emissions would cause us to exceed our 1.5 degree warming targets, unless they are slowed down. We cannot choose between food security and environmental sustainability – they are one and the same. Urgent action is needed to shift food and agriculture from a […]
By Mali’o Kodis and Katie Anderson Food and agriculture is a significant contributor to climate change, emitting a whopping 30% of global emissions, approximately the same size as the transportation sector. As companies continue to pledge progress on their science based targets, it becomes crucial that the private sector focus on Scope 3 – emissions […]
Nitrogen is essential for life, but excess nitrogen can pollute the atmosphere and water. This has a huge impact on human and ecosystem health, as well as financial losses to farmers from fertilizer – which is at a record high price – that ultimately won’t be utilized by crops. EDF’s new N Balance Implementation Guide […]
Qualifications Ashoka-Environmental Defense Fund Climate Corps seeks graduate students with analytical and project management backgrounds who are excited to make an impact through smart energy and climate solutions. Fellows are chosen for their ability to perform quantitative analyses, manage projects and help facilitate organizational change. Our core fellowship requirements are: Take a look at our […]
Two weeks ago, as the Environmental Defense Fund team entered the conference grounds in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, which would serve as our ‘office’ during the United Nations’ annual climate talks, the theme of COP27 was clear. The slogan “Together for Implementation” was pasted on walls and signs around the conference — implementation being UN lingo […]
Nitrogen — which is often added to farm fields through commercial fertilizer, manure or leguminous plants — is essential for feeding and clothing eight billion people around the world, and counting. But serious problems occur when fields have too little or too much nitrogen. Too little lowers crop yields and depletes soil health. Too much […]
It’s not an energy transition – it’s a supply increase with an emissions drop. That was the main message from industry at the North American Gas Forum in Washington, D.C. The annual conference, hosted by Energy Dialogues, brings together natural gas interests to discuss where the industry is headed, with perspectives from policymakers and civil […]
Toxic chemicals are used in food packaging and many are linked to health effects, like cancer or infertility. They can also pollute our soil, air and waterways, hurting more than just the person eating from the packaging. Companies need to remove these toxic chemicals from everyday packaging to protect their business and build consumer trust. […]
As climate change threatens agricultural production around the world, the agricultural finance institutions that work with farmers also face growing risk to their businesses. A new report — The Impacts of Climate Change on Agricultural Finance — analyzes survey responses from 167 agricultural finance institutions in North America, Europe and India.
Between setting goals and disclosing progress, it is critical that companies develop a CTAP to ensure their targets are achieved. As partners who work to accelerate corporate action on climate change, We Mean Business Coalition, CDP, Ceres and Environmental Defense Fund have come together to help companies address their climate impacts by defining what should be in a CTAP.
The tools to innovate The willingness of the private sector to act on climate has never been stronger – and yet, current rates of progress remain insufficient to realize the commitments made under the Paris Agreement. For companies deploying existing abatement solutions and still coming up short on reaching net zero, innovation and technological advancements […]
by Andrew Howell & Dominic Watson | Originally published on GreenBiz.com Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and ongoing disruptions to global energy markets underscore the urgency of accelerating the transition to renewable energy. Renewable power sources such as wind and solar can improve a country’s energy security as well as help meet climate goals, and European […]
Businesses have a unique opportunity to drive innovation to reduce enteric methane, according to a new report. Companies with beef and dairy in their supply chains can play a critical role in reducing global enteric emissions by creating incentives and by investing in technologies that are tailored to the needs and concerns of farmers and […]
Methane is the climate opportunity companies and policymakers can’t afford to miss. In fact, reducing methane emissions is critical to slowing global warming in the near term and meeting net zero climate goals. As companies and policymakers look to drive new opportunities to reduce agricultural methane emissions, understanding where producers are today and how to […]
Last week, President Biden signed into law the largest investment to combat climate change ever passed by Congress. The nearly $369 billion in climate and clean energy provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) include grants and tax credits that will bring down emissions and set the long-term investment certainty to secure the transition to […]
Last week, Healthy Babies Bright Futures (HBBF) released a report investigating heavy metals levels in rice, cereals, juices, and other common foods. It found no evidence that homemade baby food has lower heavy metal levels than store-bought brands. In fact, heavy metal levels varied widely by food type, not by how it was made. And, […]
By Neaaz Mozumder, Investment Stewardship Analyst, LGIM America and Andrew Howell, Director of Sustainable Finance, Environmental Defense Fund A year ago, LGIM America (LGIMA) and Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) announced a partnership to help “turbocharge investor leadership on climate change” and reduce emissions across high-emitting industries. Our shared plan focused on encouraging business leaders to […]
Last week, Senator Joe Manchin and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced their agreement to an investment package including $369 billion in climate and energy programs over the next ten years (see summary). This is a remarkable turnaround after negotiations on these provisions seemed to stall earlier this month. Senate Democrats continued efforts to get them […]
Enteric methane is emitted when ruminants, like cows, digest their food. These emissions are the single largest source of agricultural methane emissions, which makes reducing enteric emissions a massive opportunity to slow warming, today. New breakthrough technologies coming to market are giving companies across the food and agricultural supply chain the ability to partner with […]
Companies will not be able to meet their net zero goals at the speed and scale required without advocating for climate policy. And professionals within those companies have come to the same realization – the most powerful tool that a company – and an individual– has to fight the climate crisis is their political advocacy. […]
Food packaging performs a lot of functions. It keeps food fresh for longer, provides protection during transportation and allows for tracking, labeling and marketing. A variety of materials and their underlying chemicals make this possible, but there are potential adverse impacts. Toxic chemicals used to make everyday food packaging are putting consumer health at risk, […]
It’s annual general meeting season in the U.S. — when shareholders hold companies to account and press management to do better. A record 71 climate-related resolutions will be presented this year at public companies, more than double the number last year. But with a more ambitious suite of resolutions, fewer are being approved: just 21% […]
Food packaging shouldn’t be a human health hazard, an environmental pollutant or a business risk. But today, it is. Common food packaging containers, like chip bags, drink bottles and takeout boxes, contain several toxic chemicals that leach out into the food and wind up in our bodies or the environment. It’s time the food industry […]
In many respects NextEra Energy is a national leader on climate. The company – which is the largest electric utility in the US with generation, transmission and storage assets from coast to coast – owns a market-leading 20 gigawatts of wind and solar power generation and works with a range of stakeholders including state and […]
Companies are designing strategies that will drive immediate and meaningful progress on their climate and net zero commitments. The pressure points – from investors, employees and customers – on companies to take accountability for their climate impacts is mounting, putting business leaders under pressure to find immediate ways to slash their emissions. Many are turning […]
In 2022, Climate Corps® is teaming up with ReFED to launch a pilot program to bolster the capacity of companies to tackle food waste. Mali’o Kodis, Project Manager of Partnerships for Climate Corps, sat down with Angel Veza, Senior Manager of Capital, Innovation, and Engagement at ReFED to discuss. MK: So glad to be having […]
This article was originally published on ESG Today, which can be found here. When the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) unveiled its proposal on climate-related disclosures, it kicked off a 60-day window for public comment on the draft rule. Commissioners want to hear from stakeholders – particularly the investors they are charged with serving – on […]
Last week, Walmart announced the launch of the Circular Connector, a new tool that will help brands access safer, environmentally sustainable packaging options. Sustainable packaging initiatives have been on the radar for many retail giants in the consumer product industry, and for good reason: Packaging changes are often the easiest thing to change when trying […]
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently issued a proposal that, if finalized, would require publicly traded companies to disclose the financial risks they face from climate change. The proposed rule is a critical step to protect the health and stability of financial markets by bringing disclosure of the financial risks posed by climate change […]
Cutting methane pollution is the single fastest, most effective strategy we have to slow the rate of warming. The benefits to the climate will be almost immediate. If we are to meet net zero targets, companies need to take innovative approaches to slash both carbon dioxide and methane pollution. The dairy industry is particularly well […]
Climate change poses major risks to the stability of the U.S. financial system. To manage these risks, investors need comparable, specific, and decision-useful corporate climate disclosures that are not provided through existing voluntary frameworks. New draft rules for mandatory climate risk disclosure, published by the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 21, 2022 would, if […]
Today, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was called out for falling short of its mandate to protect consumer health. The investigation exposes the agency’s long track record of failing to effectively act in a timely manner on several food safety issues, including heavy metals in baby food and foodborne illnesses from contaminated produce. These […]
When you think about harmful chemicals, you might imagine a hazardous waste site or contamination in water. But toxic chemicals also lurk in the food we eat and products we use every day. The issue of toxic chemicals in products, namely beauty and personal care products, is particularly personal for me. I grew up getting […]
Last week, I spoke among tech, business and environmental leaders who are bringing bold solutions to the forefront of the climate crisis. Katharine Hayhoe, a leading climate scientist, kicked off Techonomy Climate with a clear directive: “Every bit of warming matters. And every action matters.” Here’s my view of the state of climate tech. 1. This is […]
Farms across North Carolina are experiencing more variable and extreme weather associated with climate change, including hotter nights and more frequent and severe rainfall. Small farms are adapting to these changes by adopting climate-resilient practices that help buffer weather extremes and improve soil health. Measuring and communicating the financial costs and benefits of these practices […]
Reduced tillage, cover crops and high tunnels helped small-scale North Carolina farms adapt to climate change and boost profitability, according to analysis of the real-world financial and resilience benefits of these farming practices. North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University Cooperative Extension and Environmental Defense Fund evaluated the impacts of climate-resilient practices on three farms in […]
Today’s business students want the private sector to do more – a lot more – to address the climate crisis. That’s one of the key takeaways from a new report by the Yale Center for Business and the Environment. The thousands of global students surveyed in the report also share a strong belief that climate […]
The U.S. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has set off a flurry of competition among states for a piece of the $8 billion in direct funding and tax credits the law provides for four “hydrogen hubs.” Last week, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas announced a joint bid, and New Mexico said it will also join the fray. The role proposed for hydrogen in the […]
Large retailers in the beauty space, like Walmart, Amazon and Target, have launched accelerator programs to help smaller companies grow their brands. While accelerator programs differ company-to-company, many provide access to funds, networking, mentorship, training, and marketing opportunities. But only a small percent include a specific focus on a critical area: Sustainability. Retailers are setting […]
By Andrew Howell and Dominic Watson This post first appeared in Energy Monitor. Not all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are hard to fix. For the oil and gas industry, an early point of focus has been flaring – which largely takes place when natural gas unearthed during oil production is burned as a waste stream. […]
Across the U.S., trucks play a crucial role in carrying parts and products to stores and consumers. The vast majority of these trucks are heavy polluters, making trucking a major component of the carbon emissions linked with companies across the supply chain – as well as those of their investors. The internal combustion engines in […]
In November 2021, the U.S. EPA proposed new regulations to reduce methane and other harmful air pollution from new and existing sources in the oil and natural gas industry. The regulations would update the emission performance standards for newly built wells and, for the first time, extend regulation to nearly one million older wells by […]
Jason Swann’s life turned upside down. Now, he’s saving wild places. When Jason Swann goes hiking, he always takes pictures. It’s important to him to show other Black and brown people that they belong in the wilderness too. Jason talks with host Yesh Pavlik Slenk about how an encounter with the police, a divorce, and […]
How an energy entrepreneur is helping to light up the world Dan Schnitzer has been passionate about renewable energy since the eighth grade, when he discovered he could make clean fuel from apple peels using his grandma’s pressure cooker. Later, he learned that lack of access to energy is a trap that keeps people in […]
This piece was co-authored by Dr. Tianyi Sun, Climate Scientist, and Dr. Ilissa Ocko, Senior Climate Scientist, Environmental Defense Fund. As the international negotiations in Glasgow come to an end, we celebrate getting closer to the goal put forth by the 26th Conference of Parties — securing global net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by mid-century. […]
More than 140 million workers in the U.S. prepare for their retirement through 401(k) investment plans. With nearly $8 trillion in assets under management, these plans are a crucial vehicle for employees to prepare for retirement. They also offer tremendous potential for employees to align their values with their investments. The rapid growth of ESG […]
Highlight: EDF’s Maggie Monast testified at a hearing of the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, “Creating a Climate Resilient America: Strengthening the U.S. Financial System and Expanding Economic Opportunity.” Watch here. It’s becoming impossible to ignore the risks that climate change poses to financial markets, including those that support U.S. agriculture. Increased temperatures and more […]
This post was co-authored by Katherine Wilts Johnson, extension economist at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Farm Financial Management. Farmers’ interest in cover crops is growing rapidly along with increased focus on soil health. But one of the most important questions farmers continue to ask is how cover crops will impact their finances. A […]
How a farmworker’s son-turned politician is fighting “the serious crisis with Mother Earth” Working with his parents harvesting produce in the 100-degree agricultural fields of southern California, Eduardo Garcia never imagined growing up and becoming a state assemblyman. But unlikely events led to a spark to make decisions for his community—and today, Garcia is the […]
How this 30 Under 30 sustainability star navigates tough dilemmas at REI. Dawnielle Tellez, 29, recently made it onto media company GreenBiz’ 30 under 30 list. The REI sustainability analyst tells Yesh Pavlik Slenk how hard it is to make the outdoor apparel industry more sustainable. She tells us what she learned working at Patagonia; […]
Conservation can improve the financial health of dairy farms, according to a new report from EDF and K·Coe Isom AgKnowledge – How conservation makes dairy farms more resilient, especially in a lean agricultural economy. Dairy farmers in Pennsylvania and across the U.S. are in the fourth year of an economic downturn in which many farmers are […]
Yes, you can turn your climate anxiety into meaningful action. This week we talk with LaUra Schmidt, cofounder of The Good Grief Network. LaUra talks about how millions of us are suffering from eco-anxiety, how our emotions affect our planet-saving work, and how we can cope so we can do the work that needs to […]
Building a thriving net zero future for people and the planet is the defining challenge of our time. Solving the climate crisis requires immediate action from all corners of the global economy, but carbon-intensive sectors play a particularly important role in the transition to a net zero carbon future. Many investors in these areas — […]
What drove a former USA swim team member to tackle the diesel problem? BJ Johnson transformed himself from athlete to an eco-entrepreneur. In this episode, he tells us why entrepreneurship is a viable planet-saving career and the challenges of being one of the few Black men in his field. BJ Johnson is in a hurry—and […]
Lake Street Dive on music, activism, and bravery When we think about climate change and what we and others can do to make a difference, most of us don’t think of musicians and artists. But lead singer Rachael Price and songwriter/drummer Mike Calabrese of the hit band Lake Street Dive are actively fighting climate change, […]
A new narrative on climate solutions There’s never been a time like this. To fight climate change, we need everyone on board. Our new season of Degrees showcases changemakers transforming their jobs and their lives for a cleaner and more equitable future. Host Yesh Pavlik Slenk dives deep into our guests’ real stories — from […]
Everyone in the agriculture sector has a stake in better understanding the financial impacts of soil health practices, particularly farmers and their financial partners. Healthier soils come with multiple opportunities for farmers to improve water quality and crop yield resilience, meet consumer demand and support supply chain initiatives, and participate in emerging carbon markets. A […]
Companies across the globe are responding to the urgent call for climate action by pledging to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, if not sooner. More importantly, businesses are increasingly setting goals that go beyond their operational footprint to encompass their value chains. Given that supply chain emissions are more than five times greater than a […]
Introducing Land a Green Job 101 Trying to break into a sustainability job? Tune in to our new miniseries Land a Green Job 101 — six short episodes with pro tips to help you find a planet-saving career. You’ll learn: How fast sustainability jobs are growing (fast), and where to find them. Real-life strategies on resumes, green certifications and […]
Episode 2 | Green jobs are surging. Where to find them. After years of sputtering along, sustainability job postings on LinkedIn spiked by 10%, about double the growth in other sectors of the economy. But where are these jobs? And which skills are in demand? One of the foremost researchers studying the growth of corporate […]
Episode 5 | Resumes suck. But here’s how to rock the search Are you submitting lots of resumes and not hearing back? Guest Sam Charner of Net Impact has great advice. He addresses the biggest pain points of green job hunting, from being clueless about your specific path to what’s wrong when you can’t get […]
The recent federal executive order on climate-related financial risk institutes a whole-of-government approach to assessing and mitigating climate-related financial risk, with the goal of bolstering the resilience of financial institutions and the communities they serve. As a sector dependent on natural resources and predictable weather conditions, agriculture is particularly vulnerable to climate change. Maintaining U.S. agriculture’s position as a […]
As the U.S. works to cut greenhouse gas emissions 50% by 2030, the agriculture and forestry sectors have important contributions to make to reducing emissions and sequestering carbon, as well as building resilience to climate impacts that are already here. A carbon bank run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture is one policy option to […]
To avoid the worst consequences of climate change, companies must reduce their reliance on diesel-powered trucks to move goods – and they must act quickly. Transportation is expected to be the largest source of new greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through 2050, and a major driver of dangerous air pollution, which is disproportionately concentrated in low […]
McDonald’s and Environmental Defense Fund’s collaboration began three decades ago, when we partnered in an effort to reduce solid waste from the company’s restaurants. The results? Over the next decade, McDonald’s eliminated more than 300 million pounds of packaging (including the polystyrene clamshells), recycled 1 million tons of corrugated boxes and reduced restaurant waste by 30%, while […]
A prediction: 2021 will be the year that Wall Street rethinks its relationship with K Street. With corporate political spending and lobbying under increasing scrutiny and a new administration advancing financially material, government-wide climate action, financial institutions have good reason to reassess their climate lobbying. While some banks and asset managers have pushed for climate-friendly […]
Earlier this month, McDonald’s became the latest major food company to announce a commitment to remove all added fluorinated chemicals from its food packaging that is served to customers. As the world’s largest fast food restaurant chain, McDonald’s new global commitment is a vital step towards improving food safety and protecting consumer health. McDonald’s announcement […]
Innovation funds and labs have long been in practice. Private companies have used various vehicles to spark innovation and incubate new products or services for decades. Today we’re watching as environmental challenges become more severe, urgent and prolific. Pressure is on to find solutions and deploy them more quickly than ever before. We must take […]
This year, financial institutions must make a significant leap forward on climate – from pledges to progress. Even amidst a global pandemic, 2020 proved that climate finance and ESG are more than passing fads, with net-zero financed emissions commitments from Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, and a group of 30 international asset managers – Net Zero […]
In the earliest weeks of the pandemic, I, like millions of others, struggled with feelings of dread, powerlessness, and anxiety. I’ve been working in the corporate sustainability space for nearly 25 years, and during that fateful week of March 9th, 2020 (when the world as we know it forever changed), I couldn’t help but worry […]
From nutritional value, how and where food is produced, to the harmful chemicals that could be lurking within — consumers today are increasingly concerned about their food. Despite some encouraging progress on transparency and labeling, toxic chemicals are still getting into our food, primarily from food contact materials such as packaging and handling equipment. Fortunately, […]
Note: this is the second installment of a dialogue Q&A series with private equity investors following a methane summit EDF recently hosted for portfolio companies of EIG Global Energy Partners (EIG) and Quantum Energy Partners. In his comments at EDF’s recent Private Equity Methane Summit, EIG President Randy Wade said, “We as an industry and […]
Companies have long been labeling products with terms like natural or clean that call their attention to greener and safer choices. But what do these claims actually mean? Unless verified certifications are used, attempts by brands to help shoppers find sustainable products can often make it more confusing.
I consider myself “one of the lucky ones,” because my career is aligned with my personal values. I get to go to work (or to my living room, for the time being) and spend my days trying to make the world a better place. Millennials, myself included, and Gen Zers are more concerned about climate […]
EDF recently hosted a virtual summit for private equity firms Quantum Energy Partners and EIG Global Energy Partners to engage their portfolio companies, which include more than 50 producer and midstream companies on the business importance of methane mitigation. Wil VanLoh, CEO of Quantum, a firm with over $17 billion in capital, explained that environmental […]
This year we witnessed a flurry of ambitious corporate climate pledges. Included in the mix, were a handful of nature-based climate solutions, like reducing deforestation and investing in forest restoration, which are gaining traction as ways for companies to meet climate goals. Growing private sector climate and deforestation commitments show that the ambition is there. […]
Regardless of the final election outcome, there’s one thing that won’t change: companies and investors must help lead the charge to build a more sustainable, equitable and resilient future. At the start of 2020, business and investor attention to climate change and ESG performance was surging at last. Although the COVID-19 pandemic and growing movement […]
By Maren Taylor and Victoria Mills In its official climate policy position, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce claims to support “an approach that rises to the challenge of climate change.” Yet the Chamber is currently working to eliminate one of the most effective climate and public health protections on the books in the United States. […]
When JP Morgan, the world’s largest oil and gas financier, commits to achieve a Paris-aligned lending book, you know it’s no ordinary year. With company after company in sector after sector committing to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner, the business imperative to lead on climate is clear. The bank’s decision comes after […]
Air pollution from rampant wildfires is causing millions to suffer in California and the Pacific Northwest. On top of that, air pollution causes and worsens conditions that make people more vulnerable to severe COVID-19. But here’s a lesser known fact: current disasters aside, nine out of 10 people regularly breathe polluted air, and the most […]
Apple, Microsoft and Amazon are just a few of the many companies that have gone public with major climate commitments in the last month alone. It’s not surprising, really, that momentum around sustainability is picking up in the private sector — especially today. From customers to investors, companies are being watched, and judged, based on […]
Entrepreneurs and technology innovators can play a role in solving air pollution challenges across the globe by investing in the growing market for sensor technologies. The need to clean the air we breathe has never been more clear. Public pressure to better understand air pollution and health impacts is mounting, at the same time that […]
By Ben Ratner and Gabriel Malek US banks have the political and financial leverage needed to play a major role in averting disruptive climate damage to the world economy. But despite strong rhetorical support of the Paris Climate Agreement, the vast majority of America’s largest banks continue to invest in companies ill-prepared for a low-carbon […]
This year has ushered in more devastation, loss and heartbreak than anyone could have ever imagined. As a nation, we’re facing unprecedented public health, social justice and economic challenges. Even in this bleak current moment, when hope may seem sparse and many eyes are narrowly focused on November 3, we can’t lose sight of another […]
When shopping online, consumers can filter searches based on product price, color or even “best sellers.” But that same ability to sort products doesn’t exist when it comes to environmental and ingredient data. This lack of information serves as a barrier for shoppers to make more informed decisions that impact their health and the planet. […]
As part of its ambitious goal announced today to achieve zero-carbon operations by 2040, Walmart outlined a notable timeframe for transforming its truck fleet. The company will accelerate efforts to pilot zero-emission trucks over the next few years and then aggressively ramp up its use of these vehicles, in order to achieve a full fleet […]
The first time I saw a natural gas flare in the oilfield was in 2015. Our team at Environmental Defense Fund was beginning to study methane emissions and collaborate with companies to solve the problem. Early one morning, we loaded into a van with industry collaborators and technology entrepreneurs, venturing out into the Eagle Ford […]
Personal care products used on a daily basis can contain chemicals that are harmful to our health. What’s worse – some people face greater risks to these chemicals than others, either because they are more highly exposed or because they are more susceptible to their effects. Products marketed to women of color often contain a […]
Mark Brownstein co-authored this post. We’re hearing more oil and gas companies pledging to reinvent themselves for a new, low carbon energy era. This conversation is unfolding as those same companies grapple with massive impacts of the global pandemic, as well as competitive challenges from cleaner, often cheaper alternatives that had been gaining steam well before […]
Last week, Sephora released a report that shows how the company is bringing products with fewer harmful ingredients to the marketplace. Sephora set the industry standard for advancing safe products by becoming the first major specialty beauty retailer to issue a chemicals policy last summer. The new report details how Sephora, in partnership with EDF, […]
It’s an everyday scene in Southern California: a big rig hauling a metal shipping container from a port facility to a distribution center or rail yard. Last week, this old story got a new twist with a 120-mile emission-free haul featuring two shipping behemoths from Northwest Arkansas: Walmart and J.B. Hunt. Our nation’s two biggest […]
The net-zero greenhouse gas commitments made by companies – along with implementation of innovative technological solutions – is slowly shifting markets away from business as usual. As consumers, employees or investors, we need to ensure that this momentum can be leveraged to move to a 100% clean economy where all companies across the spectrum are […]
EDF announces the expansion of the EDF + Business program with the hiring of Andrew Baxter and Ratnika Prasad, both new members of the Harvard Leadership Fellows program. Andrew and Ratnika are joining EDF at a pivotal time, as we continue to build momentum among investors, corporates, and policymakers to eliminate oil and gas methane […]
Shopping online for sustainable products is nearly impossible. Companies can change that. The fact is, most businesses aren’t telling you enough about the impacts of the products they sell. Products might contain harmful chemicals. Rainforests could have been cleared in the making of the product. Or air and water might have been polluted during the […]
The pandemic exposed just how vulnerable our country’s food system really is. Companies are battling to contain COVID-19 outbreaks at meat processing plants. At the same time, they are racing to shift operations to avoid empty supermarket shelves and millions of pounds of farm food waste — a result of changing consumption shifting from restaurants […]
Animal agriculture companies are feeling the impacts of climate change. As warmer temperatures and extreme weather become more frequent across the U.S., so, too, will supply chain disruptions and risks to businesses large and small. Coupled with the challenge of recovering from the devastating global pandemic, the need for companies that source and sell beef, […]
Even before the pandemic, millions of consumer products were channeled through online platforms every day. Now, online shopping is at an all-time high, with total e-commerce spending in the U.S. hitting $82.5 billion, up 78% year-over-year. For context, it typically would have taken four to six years to see the current level of growth we […]
Before COVID-19 became an all-consuming global priority, business and investor attention to environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance was surging, and thought leaders like Alan Murray (no relation) were redefining corporate leadership to include addressing big issues like climate change, and putting purpose on par with profit. The Business Roundtable’s updated statement on the purpose […]
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns we have just 30 years to reduce emissions to the point where we have no impact on the climate. The scope of this challenge is daunting — requiring total transformation of our energy, transportation and food systems — as are the human, financial and business risks of climate […]
As the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., transportation must be transformed to achieve a net zero future. In June 2020, Lyft and Ford demonstrated their commitment to helping lead the way to a more resilient future by announcing bold targets to reduce their own emissions while accelerating change across the sector. […]
Investors and shareholders have been sending clear signals that climate and environmental issues are major factors in their decision-making. Now, they’re applying the same push for accountability to a new focus: harmful chemicals. Chemicals are a critical part of our economy. But, science is linking our exposure to certain chemicals in everyday products to adverse […]
Creating a transparent online marketplace that offers safe and sustainable products is especially critical today as more consumers move online for their everyday shopping needs. But while customers want to shop sustainably, right now, it’s just too difficult. Finding reliable environmental and ingredient safety data on a product takes forever, and often, the information that’s […]
Who’s responsible for solving climate change? According to the Yale Program on Climate Communication, businesses top the list. Over 70% of registered voters across party lines say corporations and industry should do more to address global warming, above citizens and the U.S. Congress. Young peoples’ expectations of businesses are especially high: a study of Gen […]
How people shop is changing. The growth of e-commerce has been explosive, with millions of products channeled through e-commerce platforms every day – a trend that is projected to increase as more people move online for their everyday shopping needs. As shopping preferences become increasingly omni-channel, e-commerce retailers have the responsibility, influence and opportunity to […]
This is the third in a series of Global Clean Air blogs on COVID-19 and air pollution. EDF scientists and program experts will share data about pollution levels during quarantine from a local and global perspective, and provide recommendations for governments and companies to Rebuild Better. COVID-19 means a lot more online shopping, which means a […]
The Trump administration is once again ignoring the experts. Despite investment professionals’ widespread agreement that ESG integration bolsters financial performance and is essential to financial decision making, the Administration is pushing to limit Americans’ access to ESG funds. Over the past few months, financial experts from BlackRock to Morningstar to MSCI have stressed that sustainable investing helps improve long-term portfolio performance. […]
Momentum is building for federal support of truck electrification, and last week’s launch of the National Zero-Emission Truck Coalition is a great example of how federal incentives are urgently needed to clean up our air, create tens of thousands of jobs and solidify American competitiveness in the global zero-emission truck market. Organized by CALSTART, the ZET coalition […]
The promise of stakeholder capitalism — that companies serve the interests of customers, employees, suppliers and communities in addition to shareholders — is being pressure-tested in real time. Social unrest, an unfolding pandemic, historic unemployment and the slower moving but no less devastating climate crisis have only intensified the scrutiny companies were already facing from […]
Investor, employee and customer pressure on companies to help lead the way to a more sustainable, equitable and resilient future is at an all-time high. Their calls for leadership are only reinforced as the current administration continues to denigrate and divide, while the nation tries to recover from the devastation of COVID-19 and work for […]
The COVID-19 pandemic has lifted the veil off of supply chains and shown that they aren’t soulless assembly lines of automatons that move things from here to there. They’re complex, connected and powered by people, and for every product shortage or plant closure caused by disruption to the supply chain, there are hundreds or thousands […]
Methane: Europe’s missing link for effective energy decarbonization About half of all internationally traded gas is consumed by Europe. The EU sources its gas from countries like Russia, the U.S. and Algeria, countries with sizeable methane emissions. This provides the EU with significant leverage when it comes to tackling emissions from the upstream segment, which […]
We’re back with the last in a two-part series on prospects for ESG and climate investing between EDF’s Ben Ratner and Brian Rice, a portfolio manager at California State Teachers’ Retirement Systems, the world’s largest educator-only pension fund with roughly $243 billion under management. After exploring the importance of climate policy and net-zero corporate planning in the first Q&A, […]
A few weeks ago, I spoke extensively with Brian Rice, a portfolio manager at California State Teachers’ Retirement Systems about key issues in environmental social and governance investing. CalSTRS is the largest educator-only pension fund in the world with roughly $243 billion in managed assets. EDF has been working closely with the firm on corporate […]
Climate Corps hosts a summer long, free webinar series featuring thought leaders in energy management and sustainability in support of the Climate Corps fellowship program and the Climate Corps network. Register below for webinars in our summer 2021 line up. The Sustainability Jobs Landscape Thursday, June 3rd from 1-2pm ET/10-11am PT Trish Kenlon, founder of […]
Even before the tragic illness, heartbreaking loss of life and growing financial hardship of the COVID-19 crisis, the social contract between government, business and society was stretched to its limit. In our pre-pandemic world, long-held views about the roles and responsibilities of government and business were already in question. As Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO […]
I know women of color like me are more exposed to toxic chemicals in beauty products. As someone who’s working to make these products safer, I see reasons for hope. How can beauty products harm women of color? Research shows that women of color are disproportionately exposed to toxic chemicals and that beauty and personal […]
This post was originally published on the Climate Leadership Conference’s website. Employees across the country are calling on their corporate leaders to change how they operate, particularly as it relates to climate. Recently, Silicon Valley has experienced the most such activism, with employees from tech giants Google and Amazon demanding more strategic and higher impact […]
Business and the Fourth Wave of Environmentalism shines a spotlight on how 600 executives are using emerging technology to help business and the planet prosper together. Second-year trends show that business leaders are increasingly familiar with emerging technologies and are weaving sustainability goals more deeply into business strategy. Yet a majority aren’t fully connecting the […]
Business as usual for the oil and gas industry is over. Investor confidence is flagging just as the talent pool shrinks and competition from cleaner energy sources intensifies. Pressure on companies to respond to the climate crisis to maintain their future viability has never been higher. BP’s recent “net zero” announcement is a case in […]
As BlackRock Chairman Larry Fink writes in his latest letter to CEOs, “Climate change has become a defining factor in companies’ long-term prospects.” He’s right: the impacts of climate change on businesses are hard to overstate. According to the federal reserve, climate-related events have already cost the U.S. economy over $500 billion in the last […]
Methane emissions challenge the global oil and gas industry and the role and reputation of natural gas in a decarbonizing world. Credibly demonstrating near zero methane emissions is both an imperative and a competitive differentiator for companies in the early phases of the energy transition. However, the oil and gas industry has a methane emissions […]
Ordinary fleet vehicles doing their normal jobs in cities have hidden potential to shape actions that protect health and the climate. This is possible with the help of advanced mobile air pollution sensors paired with connected vehicle GPS technologies that allow cities to map pollutants at a hyperlocal scale. Air quality can be eight times […]
US $30 billion worth of methane released into the atmosphere each year With US $30 billion worth of methane released into the atmosphere each year from industry, many of the world’s largest publicly traded oil and gas companies, and select national oil companies and independents, have started taking steps towards setting and achieving methane reduction […]
New York City operates over 30,000 City-owned vehicles, the largest municipal fleet in the country. Police cars, fire engines, and public buses drive up and down the city streets performing their public services duties. But what if while completing their routine routes, doing their regular jobs, these vehicles were doubling as mobile air pollution monitoring […]
Numerous sustainability rankings have emerged to help stakeholders assess corporate environmental performance and identify leaders. Yet an EDF analysis found a troubling blind spot in how rankings agencies and organizations pick winners: the vast majority don’t factor in climate policy advocacy, which is an essential element of sustainability leadership. The analysis looks at how corporate […]
This isn’t the first time that BlackRock CEO Larry Fink’s annual letters to CEOs and clients addressed climate risk and the need for urgent action from the public and private sector. But it is the first time we’ve seen a commitment and a plan for making climate change and sustainability central to the way that BlackRock manages risk, designs […]
The statistics on plant-based proteins are eye opening: Beyond Meat’s shares have more than tripled in value since its IPO in May, Impossible Foods can now be found in about 10,000 restaurants, and the market for meat substitutes is expected to reach $2.5 billion by 2023. In fact, dollar sales of plant-based products are growing double […]
“Without business, … we will never achieve the goals of keeping temperature increases below 1.5 degrees (Celsius). This is only the beginning – we are just getting on track.” -Ambassador Luis Alfonso de Alba, the UN Special Envoy for the 2019 Climate Action Summit In the wake of the failure of the UN Climate Conference […]
Hundreds of companies, organization and initiatives have set or defined targets to reduce deforestation by 2020. Despite these commitments, global deforestation is still rising. What can we learn from our efforts over the last decade that can help us achieve more impactful results sooner? This in-depth discussion features a diverse panel:– Paula Bernasconi, Coordinator, Instituto […]
Finding ways to innovate safer ingredients and products is increasingly important in a market where the growth of sustainable products is outpacing that of conventional products. Using safer ingredients also allows companies to stay ahead of regulatory scrutiny, manage business risk, and rebuild consumer trust. However, the lack of comprehensive, transparent and comparable hazard information […]
Each year in the United States, we leave between 125 and 160 billion pounds of food uneaten, amounting to up to 40 percent of our food supply. This waste occurs throughout the food system supply chain. Food is lost on farms, during processing, distribution, and storage, in retail stores and food service operations, and finally, […]
The annual Climate Corps Fellowship Awards recognize fellows who complete outstanding work in three areas: The Business Case Award for the fellow who presents the strongest case for a project recommendation, backed by sound quantitative analysis and with a high likelihood of implementation. The Innovation Award for the fellow who recommends the most creative approach […]
Consumers are increasingly concerned about the chemicals in their food. One major way that toxic chemicals can enter our food is by migration from food packaging. For example, FDA studies have shown increased levels of perchlorate, an additive in plastic dry food packaging, appearing in our food, including baby food. Exposure to perchlorate threatens children’s […]
One defining challenge of the pressure businesses face to achieve zero-emissions expectations is how many new kinds of partnerships they need to create. Businesses need to act, but they can’t do it alone. Businesses need reliable, affordable zero-emission options with a performance track-record Business need utilities and charging partners to dramatically speed up the process […]
Since we commenced our methane innovation work in 2014, there has been a proliferation of innovative methane detection technologies, including but not limited to: methane sensors mounted on trucks, planes and drones; fixed continuous methane monitors; methane detection and quantification satellites; and more. With these new approaches, solution providers are challenging old assumptions and pushing […]
Robust reporting and disclosure on methane management and monitoring practices are key to oil and gas companies’ accountability to external stakeholders and their ability to build public confidence. Effective climate disclosure helps stakeholders not only to track key performance indicators on methane and other environmental issues, and allows a company, its shareholders, regulators and peers […]
Forests: a critical corporate climate opportunity Forests are a critical part of corporate sustainability, both to meet deforestation-free supply chain goals and climate commitments. Forest loss and other degradation contribute approximately 15 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions globally, and agricultural products in global supply chains are the biggest driver. Just four commodities – beef, […]
Deforestation is a global problem with global implications. While each company can do its part to mitigate the problem of deforestation in its supply chains, stopping deforestation can’t be done at a farm-by-farm level. EDF+Business endorses “jurisdictional approaches,” which enable companies to collaborate with local governments and other stakeholders to increase productivity and reduce deforestation […]
Our appetite for goods of all kinds , food, electronics, apparel, housewares , is growing. And the supply chains that make and deliver these goods are increasingly global. As a result, products travel farther to reach us than ever before, and that means greater fuel consumption, more greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), and continued local air […]
Forests are a critical component of a healthy planet. Slowing deforestation and restoring damaged forests could deliver a quarter or more of the carbon reductions needed by 2030 to avert dangerous climate change. Trees act as a massive carbon sink, provide natural habitat for millions of species of plants and animals, and protect watersheds by […]
The chemicals used in your products and packaging have a direct impact on the health of consumers, the environment and workers; yet, this impact is seldom mentioned in sustainability discussions. Over the last several decades, we have begun to learn that many of the over 40,000 chemicals we rely on today are linked to diseases […]
Wherever your company is on the sustainability journey, there’s no doubt you’ve already considered energy initiatives to reduce the growth in your energy consumption and carbon emissions. For good reason; the environmental and business benefits are well established, and policies to support company efforts have been around for years. Those environmental benefits come mainly in […]
When we think about greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the value chain, the focus is often manufacturing and how we can manufacture products in a more sustainable way. But what about once a product leaves the shelf and goes home with our customer? Consumer use is an important part of a product’s lifecycle. Designers, manufacturers […]
Plastics are a product of human innovation: they are inexpensive, lightweight, durable, resistant to decay and moldable , making them an excellent packaging material. Unfortunately, this innovation comes at a price. Owing to its short lifespan, plastic packaging is one of the greatest contributors to plastic pollution. Every piece of plastic ever made is still […]
Shopping has never been easier. With a click of a button, consumers can have a product in a matter of hours. The average number of daily deliveries to households in New York City alone tripled to more than 1.1 million shipments from 2009 to 2017. And, U.S. shopping is expected to $1 billion a day […]
The “clean” product trend is on the rise. For example, the market for clean beauty is projected to grow 8-10% per year, reaching global sales of $25 billion by 2025. Major retailers are driving competition among brands to offer “clean” products via programs such as the Target Wellness Program and Clean at Sephora. Coupled with […]
Demand is rising among consumers, investors, and regulatory bodies for safer chemicals and products. Achieving safer chemicals leadership starts with understanding and addressing your chemical footprint. What is your chemical footprint? It’s the total mass of chemicals of high concern used in your business: in products and packaging sold by your company, in your manufacturing […]
Tens of thousands of chemicals are used to make consumer products, with more entering the marketplace each year. Too often harmful substances like lead, toluene, and phthalates persist in the market , and environment , for years before action is taken. We need a new marketplace paradigm. We need all companies along the consumer product […]
Consumer trust is falling. Environmentally-conscious shoppers are expected to spend up to $150 billion on sustainable products by 2021, an increase of almost 15% since 2018. Concern about the health impacts of chemicals in their products is, in part, fueling this market growth. History has provided plenty of examples of harmful ingredients. Chemicals commonly used […]
The modern supply chain is responsible for 60 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions, 80 percent of all water use and 66 percent of all tropical deforestation. Take a closer look and you’ll find that agriculture contributes to all of these impacts. A growing population demands more food and water, leading to a strain on […]
The food industry is changing fast. Every day brings reports of new ingredients that food innovators around the world have developed to meet consumer demands for a healthier and more sustainable food supply. The innovations range from new ways to extract useful additives from existing sources such as algae to bioengineering to make novel ingredients […]
Consumers are increasingly concerned about the chemicals in their food. One major way that toxic chemicals can enter our food is by migration from food packaging. For example, FDA studies have shown increased levels of perchlorate, an additive in plastic dry food packaging, appearing in our food, including baby food. Exposure to perchlorate threatens children’s […]
Several grocers and food manufacturers are making commitments to safer food. New best practices and approaches are emerging for companies that want to demonstrate their own safer food leadership. The keys to success are taking individual actions and collaborating with stakeholders within the food value chain. EDF has resources to help you get started:
In addition to optimizing nutrient management, maximizing soil and water health can reduce the environmental impacts of agriculture and generate benefits for communities, customers and businesses themselves. EDF is working with major retailers and food companies to support farmers and agricultural service providers in enhancing soil health while maximizing food production. Through practices like cover […]
Nearly 40% of the corn grown in the U.S. is used for animal feed. Feed grain production has significant environmental impacts, because growing that grain relies heavily on fertilizer. And in any given year, only 40% of the fertilizer applied to crops is absorbed – the rest runs off in the form of air or […]
The climate challenge will never be solved through voluntary corporate actions alone. Public policies are critical to reduce environmental impacts across the economy, in an efficient and equitable manner, and on a scale commensurate with the challenge. Read on for expert insights. Risky Business: When corporations fund climate denial An interview with Danone’s Chris Adamo […]
It’s time to lead on climate policy. Climate change poses an unprecedented threat to companies’ operations, value chains, employees and communities. The economic costs of climate change – from damage to facilities, disrupted operations and supply chains and lost productivity – are already in the hundreds of millions of dollars and expected to reach trillions. […]
Imagine a world in which companies support telecommuting when the air is dirty, where parents can effectively consider air quality when deciding on where to live or send their kids to school or where cities offer discounted public transportation to the most affected communities. Innovative technologies hold tremendous potential for improving our understanding of air […]
New, cost-effective sensing technologies and data analytics can identify areas of dirty air that a sparse network of traditional monitors might miss, filling in gaps where modeled data isn’t available and painting a more holistic picture of air pollution sources and impacts. There is a lot of momentum to fill in data gaps on air […]
Ordinary fleet vehicles doing their normal jobs in your city have hidden potential to save lives and shape actions that protect health and the climate. This superpower comes from advanced mobile air pollution sensors paired with connected vehicle technologies that allow cities to map pollutants at a hyperlocal scale. Air quality can be eight times […]
Communities around the world continue to struggle with the health impacts of local air pollution. But because pollution is hard to see, it’s often hard for local leaders to target sources and develop effective solutions. Environmental Defense Fund released Making the Invisible Visible: A guide for mapping hyperlocal air pollution to drive clean air action […]
Nearly every business contributes to air pollution via operations and supply chains. Common sources include the emissions from burning fuels used to heat buildings, emissions from cooking, and harmful gases released via distribution and delivery vehicles. Business leaders are making commitments to prevent climate catastrophe and set clear science-based emissions reduction targets. Because many sources […]
Our appetite for goods of all kinds — food, electronics, apparel, housewares — is growing, and the supply chains that make and deliver these goods are increasingly global. As a result, products travel farther to reach us than ever before. That means greater fuel consumption, more greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), and continued local air pollution […]
Wherever your company is on the sustainability journey, there’s no doubt you’ve already considered energy initiatives to reduce the growth in your energy consumption and carbon emissions. For good reason; the environmental and business benefits are well established, and policies to support company efforts have been around for years. Those environmental benefits come mainly in […]
One defining challenge of the pressure businesses face to achieve zero-emissions expectations is how many new kinds of partnerships they need to create. Businesses need to act, but they can’t do it alone. Businesses need reliable, affordable zero-emission options with a performance track-record Business need utilities and charging partners to dramatically speed up the process […]
Almost every product, whether delivered to a door or to a store, gets to the final stage of its destination – the last mile of delivery – via fossil fuel-based shipping, which pumps dangerous pollution into the air we breathe every day. On top of that, companies are offering faster and faster delivery times and […]
Shopping has never been easier. With a click of a button, consumers can have a product in a matter of hours. The average number of daily deliveries to households in New York City alone tripled to more than 1.1 million shipments from 2009 to 2017. And, U.S. shopping is expected to $1 billion a day […]
Already, cities and countries with hundreds of millions of residents are calling for integrated climate and clean air action. Freight is the fastest growing source of greenhouse gases and a major source of local air pollution: Medium and heavy duty vehicles account for nearly 60% of these new emissions and are projected to rival light-duty […]
At a time when federal action threatens vital safeguards, states and cities are leading the way to a clean energy economy , and EDF’s expertise at the local level is critical for progress.As the cost of renewables plummets and the electric grid gets smarter, we are working with partners at the national and state level […]
When Hurricane Maria roared through Puerto Rico, it not only wrought severe damage to the island’s infrastructure, it created a public health emergency. What if a severe weather event, like Maria, or a major disruption occured in any one of the communities where your business operations are located? As the frequency and severity of storms […]
The majority of oil and gas operations globally are governed by joint ventures—complex business relationships in which companies pool capital, share risk, and transfer knowledge and best practices. Joint ventures have an operator partner, whose employees are on the ground using their company’s standards and operating practices. Joint ventures also have non-operating partners, which hold […]
There is uncommonly strong agreement among environmentalists, regulators, innovators, and operators that alternative compliance pathways for leak detection and repair technologies are needed. As the technology marketplace grows, many new and different leak detection and repair solutions are already advertising themselves, and the pipeline of future innovation could be strong. The increasing pace of technological […]
The EDF+Business team has written extensively about the relationship between policy and regulation and the oil & gas industry. Here are some pieces we thought would bring relevant insight to the issues. Joint venture methane risk is also a climate opportunity EDF and ExxonMobil discuss technology and regulation to reduce methane emissions Federal methane rollbacks […]
Methane Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) service providers offer solutions to oil and gas companies across the U.S. by utilizing various technologies that identify and repair leaking equipment at industrial facilities. Research shows that this growing industry: Creates U.S. jobs: companies in the industry offer well-paid employment opportunities across the country that require boots on […]
Since we commenced our methane innovation work in 2014, there has been a proliferation of innovative methane detection technologies, including but not limited to: methane sensors mounted on trucks, planes and drones; fixed continuous methane monitors; methane detection and quantification satellites; and more. With these new approaches, solution providers are challenging old assumptions and pushing […]
Robust reporting and disclosure on methane management and monitoring practices are key to oil and gas companies’ accountability to external stakeholders and their ability to build public confidence. Effective climate disclosure helps stakeholders not only to track key performance indicators on methane and other environmental issues, and allows a company, its shareholders, regulators and peers […]
Establishing company-specific methane emissions targets is one of the most important steps in managing climate risk. As demands for cleaner energy and climate action intensify, corporate leaders across a range of industries are setting performance targets for different measures of climate and environmental impact. Recognizing the opportunity, oil and gas industry leaders are committing to […]
When President Trump announced his plans to withdraw from the Paris Agreement in 2017, businesses spoke out en masse in opposition to this plan conveying that long-term, global competitiveness demands climate action. Soon after, the We Are Still In Coalition was born to showcase widespread commitment to the Paris Accord. This week, as the Trump […]
We use tech in just about every aspect of our lives. It’s changed how we communicate, shop, travel, to how we get the food on our plate. It’s also changed how companies do business. Technology like artificial intelligence (AI), sensors and blockchain are enabling companies to provide cutting-edge products and services for consumers from virtual […]
We use tech in just about every aspect of our lives. It’s changed how we communicate, shop, travel, to how we get the food on our plate. It’s also changed how companies do business. Technology like artificial intelligence (AI), sensors and blockchain are enabling companies to provide cutting-edge products and services for consumers from virtual […]
Communities around the world continue to struggle with the health impacts of local air pollution. But because pollution is hard to see, it’s often hard for local leaders to target sources and develop effective solutions. This report provides advice for cities, counties and other local organizations interested in using hyperlocal air quality data to drive […]
Hundreds of cities, states and companies have committed to meet the climate targets outlined in the Paris agreement. But in order for these targets to be effective, they must be developed using standardized methods that are “science-based”. Kealy Herman, WSP, discusses how to ensure that your corporate targets are aligned with current climate science and […]
Fueled by a surge in employee, customer and investor pressure to act on climate, and the near universal recognition of how a warming planet threatens the global economy, businesses are stepping up their climate commitments in a big way. This was especially true in September, when hundreds of companies announced their intentions at Climate Week, […]
For too long, air pollution has been an invisible problem. That is until now. New technologies are exposing the presence of air pollution and connecting it back to sources and health impacts. For the most part, cities across the globe have led the efforts to deploy innovative solutions for tackling air pollution and climate together. […]
This week, a new investigative report by Healthy Babies Bright Futures, a children’s health advocacy group, revealed that there is still more work to do in eliminating contaminants of concern, including lead, arsenic, and cadmium, from infant and toddler food. As noted in the report, at least one of these toxic heavy metals was detected […]
Virtually eliminating methane emissions is a critical complement to CO2 reductions and essential to bending the curve of greenhouse gas emissions from the oil and gas sector by 2030. Environmental Defense Fund and BP are pursuing a three-year collaboration to advance technologies and practices to reduce methane emissions from the global oil and gas supply […]
Virtually eliminating methane emissions is a critical complement to CO2 reductions and essential to bending the curve of greenhouse gas emissions from the oil and gas sector by 2030. Environmental Defense Fund and BP are pursuing a three-year collaboration to advance technologies and practices to reduce methane emissions from the global oil and gas supply […]
There’s no doubt that consumers are looking for safer, cleaner and more environmentally-friendly products. However, demonstrating leadership among the competition can be tricky, particularly because terms like “clean” are unregulated and lack a standard definition. One way to lead on consumer trust and gain a competitive advantage? Champion meaningful transparency this means sharing greater ingredient […]
Across industries, managing the social and environmental impacts in each company’s supply chain has become increasingly important. Leading companies recognize that supply chain sustainability programs create value through mitigating risk, increasing resource efficiency to find cost savings, driving innovation through supplier collaboration, and more. The Supply Chain Leadership Ladder is a maturity model that BSR […]
Backlash continues to grow against the Trump administration’s efforts to deregulate methane emissions from the oil and gas industry. The coalition opposing the Environmental Protection Agency’s rollbacks now includes major oil and gas companies¹, a midstream gas transmission operator, investors representing over $5.5 trillion in assets under management and 12 of the nation’s largest utilities.² […]
It’s true that in many cities, air quality is better now than it was decades ago. But urban air quality is still a health risk in far too many places. Premature death from air pollution is about 50 percent more common in cities than in rural areas. On days with higher air pollution, stock returns are lower, and students perform […]
Establishing an accurate baseline and quantifying scope 3 emissions is a critical step in meeting both supply chain energy reduction goals and partner goals. But it can be challenging to translate that internal goal into supplier action. Theresa Eberhardt, EDF, discusses how to transition from the goal-setting phase to the implementation phase, guiding you through […]
One focus area at this week’s UN Climate Action Summit is Energy Transition, where one of the expected outcomes is bold new “commitments from the IT sector (individually or collectively) on energy efficiency and the leveraging of technology.” I’m excited to see what new commitments and momentum arise from Climate Week because emerging technologies like […]
A “better, faster, cheaper” methane leak detection solution used to be an elusive unicorn of the oil and gas industry. Yet, since EDF commenced its methane innovation work in 2014, there has been a mass proliferation of innovative methane detection companies, big and small. With new ideas and new technologies, innovators are challenging old assumptions […]
Brazil’s space research agency (INPE) detected almost 80,000 fires this year, around half in the Amazon, up 84% over last year. If unchecked, this trend would be catastrophic for the planet. Businesses will take a huge hit but they can also be an important contributor to reversing these trends. Brazil ranks second in the world […]
People are exposed to chemicals through multiple sources. One of the primary sources is through the products they use. This webinar will explore what exposure means – what are the current practices for exposure assessment? What makes for leadership evaluation of exposure? Star Scott, Green Labs Program Coordinator at the University of Georgia, will talk […]
Consumers want products made with the safest available chemicals. Businesses are responding with policies and practices that target key chemicals of concern for removal. But what chemicals will fill their place? What happens when preferred alternatives aren’t readily available? Businesses have a major challenge and opportunity to meet growing demand for safer chemicals and products. […]
Consumers are increasingly concerned about the safety of contaminants in their food. Successfully managing contaminant levels in food requires action in both the public and private sector. What actions are FDA and Nestlé taking to reduce levels of contaminants in food? What challenges do companies face in successfully managing contaminants and what are industry best […]
How can participation in the Chemical Footprint Project help you gain recognition along your path to chemicals leadership from stakeholders? Join Mark Rossi, Executive Director of Clean Production Action and Co-Founder of the CFP, as he discusses the progress we’ve seen from companies after 3 years of the CFP. We’ll also here from CPF signatories […]
Yesterday, some of the most powerful CEOs in corporate America declared that driving shareholder value can no longer be their sole business objective. A group of 181 CEOs representing the Business Roundtable claimed that corporations have a responsibility to balance the needs of all their stakeholders – from employees to local communities. Several societal trends have pushed […]
Buying more sustainable products is now the expectation of U.S. consumers. Market research firm Nielsen projects that the sustainability market will hit $150 billion in sales by 2021. For perspective, that’s larger than the entire video game industry. And demand for sustainable products is growing four times faster than conventional products. Millennials and Generation Z […]
This article originally appeared in The Environmental Forum. It is a political reality that Corporate America has tremendous influence in Congress and many companies have used this power to oppose environmental regulations and strong action on climate change. But the activities of the past two months suggest this is starting to change, which is great […]
When you think about Siemens, you’re probably picturing medical scanners, energy generators, or transportation equipment. You might not be thinking about smart cities, or how the company is working to accelerate technology innovation, eMobility, resilience, and urban sustainability. But that’s just what Martin Powell, the Global Head of Urban Development at Siemens, focuses on each […]
We recently reported that Sephora became the first major specialty beauty retailer to release a public-facing chemicals policy. As a complement to their policy, Sephora also promotes their Clean at Sephora labeling program, an avenue for showcasing brands with an embedded safer ingredient philosophy. Sephora recently updated this program: going forward, a product bearing Sephora’s […]
This is the fourth in a series evaluating the challenges in single-use food packaging waste. Recently, we recommended a series of steps that companies can take to address EDF’s top-ten list of chemicals of concern in the food supply, including setting new packaging specifications, verifying compliance, and tracking progress. Perhaps surprisingly, one action you haven’t […]
Corporate America is making important strides in addressing climate change. Almost 600 companies have joined the Science-Based Targets Initiative, nearly 200 have committed to use 100% renewable energy and companies are increasingly investing in technologies that improve environmental outcomes. Yet last week, The New York Times reported that Amazon and Google were among the corporate […]
This week, business executives, tech entrepreneurs, and investors met in Aspen, Colorado at the Fortune Brainstorm Tech 2019 conference. This annual gathering brings movers and shakers together to discuss the latest tech trends and how businesses can find a competitive edge in a fast-paced marketplace. From retail to transportation to entertainment, technology advances are changing […]
With the click of a button, our groceries, clothes, personal care products, household items just about anything could arrive on our doorsteps in a neatly packaged cardboard box. It’s convenience, delivered. But at what cost? What happens behind-the-scenes to get a package delivered to your door is taking a toll on our planet and our […]
Sephora has released a public-facing chemicals policy, becoming the first major specialty beauty and cosmetics retailer to do so. The policy “seeks to strengthen ingredient safety and transparency” and applies to all formulated beauty and personal care products that are sold online and in stores, including both private label and third-partner brands. The policy is […]
We eat a lot of chicken. I see this just from my own family’s consumption of barbecue chicken at our July 4th cookout last week; but consumption trends also show that demand for chicken is steadily increasing among Americans. Eating chicken instead of other meats is perceived to be the more eco-friendly choice as poultry […]
Earlier this month, more than 30 oil and gas CEOs and investors captured headlines by meeting with Pope Francis in the Vatican on climate change, then releasing a statement supporting carbon pricing. What is clear from this high-profile event is that the climate crisis has become a societal imperative, an investor priority, and a top […]
In a world where big-box retailers are falling to online giants, Best Buy has managed to thrive. Earlier this week, Best Buy announced a Science-Based Target (SBT) to help consumers reduce their carbon emissions by 20 percent and save $5 billion on utility costs. In its own operations, Best Buy will reduce carbon emissions by […]
In 1955, LIFE magazine ran an ad promoting “Throwaway Living,” encouraging the use of disposable items as a way to help cut down on household chores. We used to depend on plastic, and now, our planet is being suffocated by it. Environmental impacts are showing the need for a more circular economy, and businesses are […]
This is the third in a series evaluating the challenges in single-use food packaging waste. We looked at how company commitments fit into the circular economy debate, made a list of food packaging chemicals, and designed step-by-step guidance with a new interactive tool for companies to act on ingredient safety. Packaging, especially single-use plastic, has […]
As a Cruise Director for an expedition travel company in the Arctic and Antarctic, Meghan Kelly often found herself in conversations with locals about the receding coastline. She heard how decreasing sea ice is diminishing traditional hunting grounds, along with the passages between one community and the next in the Arctic. For the families who […]
You may not be thinking about the environment when you’re opening your yogurt container or adding almond milk to your morning coffee. But for Danone North America, the company behind these and dozens of other dairy and specialty food products, sustainability is top of mind. “At Danone, we believe that each time we eat and […]
Last year, global wine production rose to near-record highs, reaching a harvest of 292.3 million hectoliters that’s more than 7.7 billion gallons. In the U.S. alone, domestic and imported wine sales reached $70.5 billion. The world clearly loves wine. But, few industries feel the perils of climate change more directly than the wine industry. And […]
Smart business leaders know prosperity isn’t born of short-term politics, but rather long-term economics. These same leaders understand that a thriving economy depends on a thriving environment – and vice versa. It isn’t either/or. Responsible progress is in the hands of the leaders, the innovators, the collaborators. The ones who see a more resilient future […]
After a decade-long dry spell, Corporate America’s call for climate action is back. Despite the Trump Administration’s continued denial, leading companies are finally giving climate change the attention it deserves and urging Congress to do the same. Years from now, we’ll look back at May 2019 as a breakthrough moment, when business engagement in climate […]
Environmentally-conscious shoppers are expected to spend up to $150 billion on sustainable products by 2021, an increase of almost 15% since 2018. Skepticism about conventional products is, in part, fueling this market growth. The key to engaging eco-conscious shoppers is to make cleaner, more sustainable products easier to find in stores and online. For example, […]
My 12-year-old daughter Anna has become quite the environmentalist lately. She’s even started turning out the lights while you’re in the room to save on energy! Yes, this can be annoying. But I admire her passion and enjoy watching her become more invested in our planet. Anna and the 1.4 million kids skipping class to […]
Every day, we see another article about forests disappearing in the Amazon. This coverage shines light on a significant global problem that is only intensifying. With all the bad news, I was especially energized to attend the Tropical Forest Alliance 2020 (TFA 2020) Annual Meeting last week, where around 200 passionate people gathered to promote […]
Corporate America is setting and meeting increasingly ambitious climate and clean energy goals. But the hard reality is that individual corporate action, no matter how big, won’t solve this great climate crisis. In order to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, we need public policies that harness the power of the whole economy to […]
What do Houston, London, and San Francisco have in common? You might be thinking about great food, an excellent job market or a thriving arts scene, but the answer is that all three cities are taking action to improve their understanding of an often invisible urban threat: air pollution. Recent studies have uncovered that the […]
A new poll by CNN shows that climate change now ranks as the very top issue among Democratic voters beating out historically popular issues like healthcare. Engaging in climate advocacy is growing globally. And what I find to be especially interesting is the innovative approaches that people are taking to make their voices heard. Climate […]
The contrast between how the two largest retailers Amazon and Walmart engage on sustainability is on full display right now. Every April, Walmart convenes hundreds of suppliers, associates and partners at an annual meeting to evaluate progress against the company’s aspirational sustainability goals. A major focus this year was celebrating progress on Project Gigaton: in […]
More than five decades ago, IBM CEO Thomas Watson, Jr. stated that “Businessmen are influential leaders in public opinion. That is why it is so important that they be as open-minded and far-sighted in matters concerning the general public need as they are in questions relating to the operation of their businesses.” Today, Wayne Balta, […]
The days when business leaders could dodge social or political issues are coming to an end. CEO engagement on issues such as health care, sexual harassment, gun control and immigration have been steadily on the rise. In a U.S. House committee meeting just last week, lawmakers “grilled [bank] executives more on social issues than business […]
By: Elizabeth Sturcken, Managing Director, EDF+Business Supply Chain, Environmental Defense Fund and Sheila Bonini, Senior Vice President, Private Sector Engagement, WWF – World Wildlife Fund Imagine, for a moment, what it would mean if the world’s biggest brands couldn’t access the key ingredients for their products. What if Starbucks had trouble sourcing coffee? What if […]
Last year, I identified the top corporate sustainability trends of 2018. Six months later, I revisited those trends and shared company-specific examples that pointed to their growing traction. I decided to repeat this process again for this year. But, before I share the top trends for 2019, let me first explain how they are identified. […]
Something you don’t hear every day: oil and gas methane regulations can reinforce innovation and leadership. Numerous new methods to reduce oil and gas methane emissions are being developed; and regulators, environmentalists, oil companies and innovators are working together to craft a new way for innovation to be recognized and rewarded. I interviewed Drew Pomerantz […]
Tom Neltner, J.D. and Boma Brown-West with Maricel Maffini and Michelle Mauthe Harvey This is the second in a series evaluating the challenges in single-use food packaging waste. In the late 1980s, the Council of Northeast Governors (CONEG) was concerned that heavy metals in packaging would accumulate in recycled materials to levels that presented serious […]
No matter the industry, business stakeholders care about lists who’s on them and who’s on top. Consider this small sampling: Fast Company’s “50 Most Innovative Companies” list, Fortune’s “Change the World” list, Forbes’ “The World’s Most Reputable Companies” list, or Glassdoor’s “Best Places to Work.” Companies spend countless hours every year applying to appear on […]
In July, I’ll become a first-time mom, which means the next four months of my life are going to be spent preparing for what’s to come. In my attempt to navigate the baby-care industry, I’ve started researching the options for toxic-free, eco-friendly, safe and affordable products. To say the process is ‘overwhelming’ is an understatement. […]
Oil and gas companies in the United States are the latest to add their voices to the broad set of stakeholders supporting federal regulation of methane emissions from the oil and natural gas sector. These companies have a major responsibility to reduce methane emissions, a key step in the energy transition. This week in Houston, […]
Furnishing a new home is a big job. I know because I recently went through the process myself. You need to purchase the big ticket items, maybe a new bed from Pottery Barn, down to the nitty-gritty items, possibly a nice west elm throw for the couch. It’s taxing work – for you and the […]
Since 2017, ExxonMobil has expanded its U.S. methane leak detection program, committed to its first global methane target, supported methane monitoring technology innovation and encouraged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate methane emissions at new and existing sources. Although Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and ExxonMobil are not always aligned on certain important issues, […]
Methane has made quite an entrance into climate science in the last few years. Though long recognized as a potent greenhouse gas more than 80 times as powerful as carbon dioxide in the short term its significance in our battle against climate change has only recently been quantified. The oil and gas industry, for example, […]
Last week, Iron Mountain publicly shared its approved Science-Based Target (SBT) after committing to the SBT initiative in June of last year. Setting SBTs has transitioned from a trend to an industry best practice. Last April, 250 companies committed to set or received approval for a SBT. That number today is now 515 companies. More […]
The job of a CEO has always been challenging. Today it is tougher than ever, because the pressure to deliver rising valuations and ROI is matched by a new set of demands as investors, customers, employees and other business leaders call for profits to be balanced with social purpose. After 20,000 of Google’s employees staged […]
Businesses today are taking basic services and turning them into well-designed, convenient user-friendly experiences. You see it every day with companies like Spotify and Seamless. Or Netflix, which is suggesting I watch The Great British Baking Show, based on my family’s viewing-history. Now, imagine the possibilities if we applied this business model to sustainability. The […]
This is the first blog in a series evaluating the challenges associated with single-use food packaging waste. We made a list of food packaging chemicals, provided advice for companies to “start clean” on food packaging, designed step-by-step guidance with a new interactive tool for companies to act on ingredient safety. This week Walmart joined a […]
Reducing impact on the planet isn’t an afterthought at Bevi it’s the startup’s core business. Co-founder and CEO of Bevi, Sean Grundy, wanted to work for a company where sustainability was woven into the business model from the start, and shareholder and environmental values were one in the same. So, Sean chose to start fresh […]
E-commerce, technology acceleration and increasing demand are driving the freight industry to innovate, address changing customer expectations, improve freight productivity and achieve greater supply chain efficiency. To stay ahead, companies are collaborating with logistics service providers and vehicle and equipment manufacturers to invest in solutions that will help move their products and supplies as quickly, […]
Consumers have made it clear that they prefer to buy from brands who care for people and planet. And in the eyes of consumers, regulators, and investors, those standards now extend to the suppliers with which those companies do business. But for businesses to meet those demands, they must first navigate the complex landscape of […]
Smithfield Foods recently announced that it has engaged 80% of its directly sourced grain supply, more than 560,000 acres, in farming practices that reduce fertilizer losses and build soils. A case study authored by Datu Research with contributions from Smithfield and EDF examines the different grain sustainability interventions tried by the company — both those […]
The first time I spoke at a conference about air pollution, the venue was right beside a daycare—a well-regarded chain, no doubt with significant waiting lists. But on the outside, the facility was steps from onramps to a bridge and a major highway, where horns blared and buses and trucks idled at the lights. The […]
Every product that ends up on a retail shelf or is sold online has a freight footprint. The impact of moving freight across U.S. retail and consumer goods supply chains is significant – with the trucks, trains, ships and planes that carry goods emitting over 160 million metrics tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions annually, […]
Sustainable Food Policy Alliance Danone North America Mars Unilever Nestle CEO Climate Dialogue BASF Corporation BP Calpine Corporation Citi Dominion Energy Dow DSM North America DTE Energy DuPont Equinor Exelon Ford Motor Company LafargeHolcim National Grid PG&E Corporation PSEG Shell Syngenta Total Unilever Climate Leadership Council AECOM Allianz AT&T Ford Motor Company General Motors IBM […]
“Environmental stewardship and conservation were engrained in The Walt Disney Company from the beginning,” Angie Renner recently told me. Angie is an Environmental Integration Director at Walt Disney World Resort, and today she says the company is investing in new technologies and renewable energy projects that have thus far cut greenhouse gas emissions nearly in […]
While Tom Brady was chasing his 6th Super Bowl Victory, something big happened during the game. Budweiser aired an ad celebrating the link between business and sustainability – a message that reached at least an average of 100 million viewers. The 45 second video combined Budweiser’s brand icons, Dalmatians and Clydesdales, with Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ […]
Having lived and traveled in Southeast Asia for a number of years, I have seen and experienced the negative impacts of plastic pollution firsthand. I can’t count the number of times I’ve visited some of the world’s most breathtaking remote locations and couldn’t stop staring at the plastic everywhere. Last week, I finally felt that […]
At the Baker Hughes GE Annual Meeting this week in Florence, Italy, a CEO began his presentation with this bold adage: “Digital strategy = Business strategy.” Executives on nearly every panel pointed to the digital opportunity. As the oil and gas industry invests in the digital transformation to improve competitiveness, companies should seize the opportunity […]
This post was co-authored by Rosalie Winn, attorney for Environmental Defense Fund. Methane emissions from the American oil and gas industry waste valuable resources, accelerate climate change and severely cloud the credibility of natural gas in the low carbon transition. Unfortunately, Acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler has proposed to weaken standards limiting pollution from new […]
One of the world’s top chocolate companies shared new plans for reducing its impact on the planet including committing to set Science-Based Targets. But what sets Hershey apart from its peers is not this commitment. It’s the journey behind how it got here. Leading up to today’s announcement, a lot happened behind the scenes – […]
Nearly one-quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions comes from agriculture and deforestation, but if we continue with business as usual agriculture could become the world’s largest contributor to climate change. That’s because feeding a growing population takes a toll on the earth, including outsized impacts on our soil, water and climate. Consumers are starting to […]
Where else can you bring creative projects, like a handheld printer that can imprint on any surface or soap that smells like bacon, to life? I’m a big fan of Kickstarter. So when I heard the company was inspiring its creators to make environmentally conscious decisions, I immediately wanted to learn more. As the world’s […]
Even if you haven’t heard of perchlorate, chances are that you probably have eaten it. Perchlorate is a chemical used in plastic packaging and food handling equipment for dry food like cereal, flour, and spices to reduce the buildup of static charges. Unfortunately, it’s a well-known endocrine-disruptor that can migrate from packaging into our food. […]
There’s a new way to approach energy risks that should interest business leaders who navigate today’s changing economy.Is your corporate risk management strategy considering these three realities, and how to respond? Energy prices are volatile and hard to predict Energy prices fluctuate so knowing when to lock in the best price, and for how long, […]
A lot happened in 2018. The U.S. made some notable progress with the first Muslim and Native American women elected to Congress, and and SpaceX launched the world’s most powerful rocket. (I also became a first-time dad! And remember Yanny vs. Laurel?). And we experienced some major lows, with hundreds of innocent lives lost to […]
I have helped Walmart, Starbucks and other companies get started with sustainability. I can help you too, using all the lessons I’ve learned from them. I don’t want to sound like just another environmentalist waving my hands, jumping up and down that we need to act to reverse climate change NOW. The truth is simply […]
Business leaders can no longer afford to look the other way on climate change. The recent National Climate Assessment revealed that regional economies and industries dependent on natural resources are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change as are energy systems. Warmer climates will increasingly disrupt international trade, prices, and supply chains, and costs […]
This blog was co-authored with Meghan Demeter, Program Analyst, EDF With mounting concern about the state of the climate and increasing speculation about natural gas’ role in decarbonizing energy markets, oil and gas companies face growing scrutiny from the public and investors. Some companies are stepping up with pledges to reduce emissions of methane from […]
When creators are planning to launch a product into the world on Kickstarter, they’ll now consider their impact on the environment. This morning, Kickstarter unveiled new features that will help creators evaluate and reduce the environmental impact of their products at the earliest stages. Kickstarter teamed up with EDF Climate Corps to develop an information […]
The Mind the Store campaign recently released their third annual Who’s Minding the Store? report, which ranks retailer action on the removal of toxic chemicals from products. Many of this year’s top performing retailers are familiar. Apple, Walmart, Target, and CVS, all in the top 10, are companies that EDF considers to be safer chemicals […]
The credibility of recent industry methane commitments is under the microscope. One year ago, many of the world’s top oil and gas companies publicly committed to support methane policies and regulations to reduce emissions from the global oil and gas industry. But today, serious doubts are emerging about whether the companies will keep their promise […]
Rigorous Selection We recruit and match top-tier graduate students based on the needs of host organizations. We take into consideration student skills, experience and location preference in making a match with a host company. Expert Training In May, we host a week-long training for our fellows with EDF experts and sustainability consultants. The curriculum covers […]
In the media storm surrounding the midterm elections, you might have missed an important act of sustainability leadership. Five of the world’s leading brands filed public comments opposing the Administration’s Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule. The ACE rule would replace the Clean Power Plan, which all five companies have previously supported, and place no quantitative […]
Leaders from pretty much every country in the world representing current and future customers attended the World Health Organization’s (WHO) inaugural Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in Geneva last week, along with academics and nongovernmental organizations, but there were no corporate leaders in attendance. The absence of companies suggests that air pollution isn’t […]
Hurricane Maria severely damaged Puerto Rico’s infrastructure and created a public health and humanitarian crisis. As the frequency and severity of storms increase, Puerto Rico has an opportunity to be a model of innovation and resilience for areas vulnerable to climate change. Low-carbon microgrids are key to modernizing the island’s electric system. These local, renewable […]
This blog is a follow up to an earlier blog published: 4 Trends in Corporate Sustainability for 2018. Earlier this year, I identified 4 corporate sustainability trends that all business leaders should be watching in 2018. Those trends were: growth in companies setting Science-Based Targets, greater attention towards reducing supply chain emissions, tech and internet […]
On the evening of Sunday, October 28th, Brazilian citizens solidified the decision that Jair Bolsonaro will be the country’s next president. Often called “tropical Trump,” Bolsonaro’s stated agenda has massive implications: during his campaign, he promised to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, shut down the Ministry of Environment and open up the protected indigenous lands […]
Setting the Bar: Implementing the TCFD Recommendations for the Oil and Gas Industry, a report by Ceres, EDF, and the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), provides actionable guidance for the oil and gas industry, and its investors, to implement the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) in regards to methane emissions.
Hurricane Michael, the most powerful storm to hit the Florida panhandle on record, caused loss of life and rampant destruction, flattening entire towns and leaving more than 1.3 million people without power across five southeastern states. Rising temperatures and warmer waters are making this and other recent mega hurricanes like Florence stronger and more devastating […]
Just last month 13 of the world’s largest oil and gas majors—including ExxonMobil, BP and Shell —came together for a new commitment to reducing a key super pollutant. Methane, the primary component of natural gas, is the second leading contributor to climate change and over 80 times more potent than carbon when leaked into the […]
Retail demand for safer products is not only here to stay it’s now a source of competition in the evolving marketplace. Amazon is the latest retailer to join Walmart, Target, CVS Health, Home Depot, and Rite-Aid by publishing a chemicals policy and a public Restricted Substances List. Amazon and several of the above-mentioned retailers represent […]
Oh what a week it has been! Trying to turn away from the political polarization and fracturing civility in this country, I looked elsewhere in the news and found something even worse…dire warnings for our planet. Two reports in the news this week ring the alarm bell on climate change. The first report is from […]
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a sobering report this week detailing the dramatic effects of climate change and the immediate steps we need to take to make significant progress on limiting warming in the future. The report makes it clear that apathy and inaction are no longer viable options. Unprecedented action is […]
What happened, and what it means for climate action, clean energy, and environmental justice On September 20, 2017 Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico as a Category 4 Hurricane. We now know that the storm was the deadliest hurricane to hit the United States in the past 100 years. The storm was a disaster, a […]
I’ve never run a marathon, but I imagine it would be a very praise-worthy experience. First, you sign up, feeling that initial rush of “wow, I’m actually doing this” adrenaline. That’s followed by everyone’s favorite part: telling people. You’re instantly flooded with responses like “Good for you!” and “You’re such an inspiration!”. But then, the […]
Earlier this month, the national drugstore chain Rite Aid released a new Chemical Policy and Restricted Substances List (RSL). Rite Aid joined a growing list of retailers taking action to ensure safer products for their customers. This public, written corporate chemicals policy communicates to Rite Aid’s suppliers, consumers, and other stakeholders that increasing Rite Aid’s […]
When you picture a city bus, an animal control van or a waste management truck, you’re probably not thinking about a high-tech, mobile urban sensing platform, about saving millions of lives, or about the smart city of the future. At least not yet. But a new initiative in Houston is turning public fleets into the […]
As a kid, one of my favorite things was a Moon Cake, which I’d get to eat during the Mid-Autumn Festival in China (taking place next week). It’s a day of celebrating family reunion and harvest, where the entire country throws parties, comes together and gives homage to the full moon. I’ll always jump at […]
At Environmental Defense Fund, we believe that environmental progress and economic growth can and must go hand in hand. EDF+Business works with leading companies and investors to raise the bar for corporate sustainability leadership by setting ambitious, science-based goals; collaborating for scale across industries and global supply chains; publicly supporting smart environmental safeguards; and, accelerating […]
Walmart and Unilever made big news at this week’s Global Climate Action Summit. With forest loss still on the rise (the highest levels of tropical tree cover loss occurred in the last two years), these two consumer-product giants just committed to taking big, concrete steps toward addressing the complex reality of global deforestation. At the […]
How top energy companies engage in the U.S. methane policy debate in the coming weeks may tell us a lot about the future of natural gas. As these companies have themselves recognized, the role of natural gas in a world that can—and must—decarbonize depends on minimizing harmful emissions of methane from across oil and gas […]
Recent research on corporate sustainability indicates that companies still have a long journey ahead in order to meet their sustainability goals. Only four percent of companies recently surveyed by Bain & Company feel that they’ve succeeded in achieving their sustainability goals, while 47% feel that they’ve failed altogether. These numbers might seem discouraging to some, […]
As a working mother, I often have to multi-task. Recently, as I watched my toddler push his food around his plate, I caught up on last week’s news that Fortune had released its annual “Change the World” list of top companies using the profit motive to help the planet and tackle social problems. About 10 […]
Over the last 15 years, an impressive number of companies have set ambitious forest targets in their supply chains. As of September 2017, more than 470 companies in the food and agriculture sector have pledged to eliminate deforestation from their supply chains. The Consumer Goods Forum a group of 400 global companies with over $3.1 […]
Today, Walmart announced that it will stop selling paint strippers containing methylene chloride or N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) by February 2019 making it the first general merchandise retailer to take such action. Walmart’s announcement follows the strong leadership demonstrated by Lowes, Home Depot, and Sherwin Williams, all of which have committed not to sell methylene chloride- and […]
If you take a quick look around your office, it probably won’t be hard to spot a pair of shoes made by Allbirds, the San Francisco-based footwear company that makes its products using materials like wool and eucalyptus fiber. The two year-old company aims to make comfortable, sustainably-made shoes and they seem to be everywhere. […]
Consumer products are a source of our exposure to toxic chemicals. Pressed by consumer demand and regulatory scrutiny around the globe, companies have increasingly committed to removing toxic ingredients from everyday products. One of the most difficult barriers to designing safer, more sustainable products is ensuring that the replacement ingredients are both effective and safe. […]
For the first time since 2010, a Republican has introduced a climate bill. Business leaders are welcoming its market-based approach to fighting climate change. Yesterday, 34 U.S. businesses sent a public letter thanking Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL 26thDistrict) for introducing the MARKET CHOICE Act (H.R. 6463), a bill to fund infrastructure investment while cutting climate […]
The day before the World Gas Conference one of the energy industry’s largest 10 companies competed for USD $20 million to fund solutions with the power to disrupt how methane is managed, measured, and reduced. The money was provided by Oil and Gas Climate Investments, the billion-dollar investment fund tied to the Oil and Gas […]
For years, conversations at major oil and gas industry conferences focused on one thing: the shale revolution. Excitement about the surge in economical new supply of unconventionally produced oil and gas was palpable, as panelists spoke of the potential for shale to transform everything from the geopolitics of American energy supply to the price of […]
The oil and gas industry is at an inflection point: according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the role that natural gas can play in the future of global energy is inextricably linked to its ability to help address environmental problems. One of these problems is methane emissions–a key focus of the World Gas Conference […]
Right outside my window in Washington, DC, there is a hill where trucks accelerate towards the north, and buses idle to pick up tour groups. Even when the air looks clear, it may be hiding an invisible danger. Air pollution kills 4.5 million people a year and costs the world $225 billion a year in […]
I’m a certified oil and gas tech nerd, and I’ve never before been this excited about my job. I love data and the insights that it surfaces, along with the immense possibility of applying those insights to catalyze continuous improvement. There are few decisions I make without an Excel spreadsheet and, after spending several years […]
A high-tech collaboration between EDF and Stanford University — the Mobile Monitoring Challenge — brought innovators together to assess new technologies. The goal was to scan vast and complex oil and gas infrastructure for methane leaks quickly and efficiently. Sensors mounted on drones and trucks collected valuable data companies can use to take action on methane […]
I spend my days thinking about how companies can use their market power to improve our environment and health. Companies are motivated to lead on sustainability for a number of reasons including cost savings, risk management and improved reputation. Additionally, the stakeholders companies most want to impress are their customers and shareholders, which studies show […]
The simple answer is this. Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) approaches challenges pragmatically. If we want to rid the planet of harmful climate pollution, our efforts must include working with the industries that can make the biggest difference. That means I spend a lot of my time working with leaders from the oil and gas industry. […]
At Environmental Defense Fund, we believe that environmental progress and economic growth can and must go hand in hand. EDF+Business works with leading companies and investors to raise the bar for corporate sustainability leadership by setting aggressive, science-based goals; collaborating for scale across industries and global supply chains; publicly supporting smart environmental safeguards; and, accelerating […]
You know that feeling when you’re cheering for your team to win, and they do? That’s the feeling I get to experience every day in my job as Manager of the EDF Climate Corps network (aren’t I lucky?!) Yesterday GreenBiz announced it’s “30 Under 30″ – a global search for emerging leaders who are shaping […]
At Environmental Defense Fund, we believe that environmental progress and economic growth can and must go hand in hand. EDF+Business works with leading companies and investors to raise the bar for corporate sustainability leadership by setting aggressive, science-based goals; collaborating for scale across industries and global supply chains; publicly supporting smart environmental safeguards; and, accelerating […]
In a rare move by two fierce competitors, Walmart and Target brought together stakeholders from across the U.S. beauty and personal care (BPC) industry in 2014 to drive safer, more sustainable products. This was bold considering that there was no consensus on the basic definition of product sustainability in an industry estimated at over $80 […]
The momentum driving companies to cut carbon emissions shows no signs of slowing down, despite the lack of leadership from Washington, D.C.: According to the new Deloitte Resources 2018 Study, the number of companies with climate goals is higher than ever, and nearly half of businesses surveyed are working to procure more energy from renewable […]
Last week The Home Depot published an update to their Chemical Strategy that expands their commitments to now cover household cleaning chemical products. They are asking suppliers to remove and exclude nine chemicals from these products by 2022. This commitment builds on their strategy first published in October 2017, which targeted chemicals of concern in […]
This blog was co-authored with Maricel Maffini, Ph.D., Independent Consultant, and Michelle Harvey, Senior Consultant at the Environmental Defense Fund. In May 2017, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Food Safety and Nutrition (CFSAN) announced it had “established a Toxic Elements Working Group whose mission in part is to develop a strategy […]
An exciting opportunity to solve the problem of deforestation is emerging: the “Jurisdictional Approach”. Rather than going farm-by-farm to ensure sustainability—which can lead to islands of “green” in a sea of deforestation—focusing on a specific jurisdiction allows companies to work with government to create entire regions that are improving along deforestation and productivity metrics.
Last week hundreds of representatives from global companies and leading NGOs met in Bentonville, AR for Walmart’s annual Sustainability Milestone Summit. The theme of the meeting was Project Gigaton, the most ambitious and collaborative effort ever to reduce a billion tons of emissions from the global supply chain over the next 15 years. At the […]
At Environmental Defense Fund, we believe that environmental progress and economic growth can and must go hand in hand. EDF+Business works with leading companies and investors to raise the bar for corporate sustainability leadership by setting aggressive, science-based goals; collaborating for scale across industries and global supply chains; publicly supporting smart environmental safeguards; and, accelerating […]
Today marks my one year anniversary of joining EDF Climate Corps, where I’ve spent the last 12 months helping companies think through the strategies for meeting or setting their climate goals. What I’ve learned in this short time is that companies are going beyond the “safe bet” to tackling bigger and more impactful projects. In […]
As a consumer health expert, I was glued to Nicholas Kristof’s recent New York Times op-ed, “What poisons are in your body?” Kristof has covered the dangers of toxic chemicals for years and instituted lifestyle changes to limit exposure to chemicals that worry him most. Among his top concerns are endocrine disruptors which alter hormones […]
This analysis presents the business and environmental case for oil and gas companies to set sound methane targets. Natural gas, or methane, has emerged as the potent paradox for the energy industry. How companies manage preventable oil and gas methane emissions will determine the climate credibility of natural gas.
At Environmental Defense Fund, we believe that environmental progress and economic growth can and must go hand in hand. EDF+Business works with leading companies and investors to raise the bar for corporate sustainability leadership by setting aggressive, science-based goals; collaborating for scale across industries and global supply chains; publicly supporting smart environmental safeguards; and, accelerating […]
McDonald’s the world’s largest restaurant company recently announced new climate goals, which were quickly followed by many comments like this one, from Axios: “These are concrete targets, but they’re not as of yet backed up with specific plans of how to get there.” Axios is right. These are concrete targets (and they’ve been approved by […]
As the Trump administration rolls back environmental protections that could harm human health for decades, it’s increasingly up to businesses to lead the way, charting the course to a future that includes both a thriving economy and a thriving planet. Leading the way requires first setting ambitious, public targets like the over 340 companies taking […]
I remember some of the first interactions I had with companies working in the clean energy industry. I was an analyst at the time, which meant the conversations were more often than not, very technical, wonky and with men. At first, this was overwhelming. But my all-women MBA program prepared me for the male-dominated business […]
By Tom Neltner, J.D., Chemicals Policy Director at Environmental Defense Fund and Maricel Maffini, Ph.D., Consultant Last week, we spent two days at a Chemical Watch food packaging conference with manufacturers and suppliers trying to better understand the process for bringing innovative products to market. They learned what the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and […]
Two years ago I had my first conversation with Stefan Karlsson, the Sustainability Compliance Manager for IKEA Purchasing Service (China) Co., Ltd. We talked about how IKEA was rethinking its business operations in order to green its global supply chain and as the world’s largest go-to for affordable furniture you can imagine how big a […]
The Disclosure Divide assesses how company reporting on methane emissions has changed since 2015, when EDF first examined methane disclosure risks in the 2015 Rising Risk report. Although the percentage of companies reporting remained relatively unchanged, leading companies have stepped forward by providing more narrative information to their stakeholders on company strategy and progress in managing […]
At Environmental Defense Fund, we believe that environmental progress and economic growth can and must go hand in hand. EDF+Business works with leading companies and investors to raise the bar for corporate sustainability leadership by setting aggressive, science-based goals; collaborating for scale across industries and global supply chains; publicly supporting smart environmental safeguards; and, accelerating […]
Just yesterday, the administration announced plans to cut the Department of Energy’s (DOE) renewable energy and energy efficiency program budgets by 72 percent according to a leaked draft of the DOE budget for fiscal year 2019. This is the second major blow to the renewable energy industry, coming only days after Trump imposed a 30% […]
The facts: tens of thousands of chemicals in the marketplace have not been adequately evaluated for potential harm to people and the environment. Among the 16 common preservatives examined in EDF’s new report – all contained data gaps for critical health endpoints. Demand for safer chemicals is growing – significantly. Major retailers including Walmart, Target, and CVS have adopted safer […]
At Environmental Defense Fund, we believe that environmental progress and economic growth can and must go hand in hand. EDF+Business works with leading companies and investors to raise the bar for corporate sustainability leadership by setting aggressive, science-based goals; collaborating for scale across industries and global supply chains; and publicly supporting smart environmental safeguards. This […]
In closing out 2017, we are energized by successes in our work with oil and gas industry partners. And as we look forward to a new year and a fresh start, here are five things we’ll be looking for as industry leaders step up methane action in 2018. 1. Target Setting This year, 10 leading […]
Read an update on methane, manure and community impacts in North Carolina At Environmental Defense Fund, we believe that environmental progress and economic growth can and must go hand in hand. EDF+Business works with leading companies and investors to raise the bar for corporate sustainability leadership by setting aggressive, science-based goals; collaborating for scale across […]
A recent study from UPS and GreenBiz revealed that 95 percent of surveyed companies recognize the effect that urbanization particularly air quality and traffic congestion will have on business growth and sustainability. Why? Because poor air quality costs the global economy $225 billion every year in lost labor income, according to the World Bank. Air […]
Today, Walmart updated their ambitious Sustainable Chemistry Policy on Consumables, which to-date has resulted in a 96% reduction in the weight of High Priority Chemicals. The new commitments set a bold goal of reducing Walmart’s chemicals footprint by 10% – over 55 million pounds of priority chemicals – a historic move. Reducing chemicals of concern from products is a […]
Fifteen years ago, the gravity of the challenges facing the environment demanded that big business and environmental NGOs evolve if they were going to continue to thrive. EDF had moved from suing big business in the 1960s to partnering with them in the 1990s. Walmart, the most powerful business at the top of the Fortune 500, took a major step toward sustainability […]
By Tom Neltner, J.D., EDF Chemicals Policy Director and Maricel Maffini, Ph.D., Consultant Until recently, we have known very little about food’s contribution to children’s exposure to lead. Surprisingly, a recent report from the EPA found that two-thirds of one-year olds get most of their exposure from food. FDA has been reviewing its testing methods […]
With the Trump Administration pulling back on federal climate action, I am heartened to see that U.S. businesses are starting to assert their leadership role in the fight for a cleaner, safer world. Bold leadership is an essential factor for business today — and no company is delivering on this more than Walmart. The world’s […]
At a time when leadership from the federal government is decidedly lacking, the launch of Walmart’s Project Gigaton is a cause for celebration. It is proof that companies can step up to advance solutions that will help business, people and nature thrive. Just like Walmart itself, this is big. The world’s largest retailer has launched an initiative […]
Research released by Datu Research in April 2017 offers an inside look at the methane leak detection and repair (LDAR) industry – a growing field of service providers that utilize technology to identify and repair leaking equipment at industrial oil and gas facilities. The report found that the LDAR industry offers well-paying employment opportunities across […]
Since September 17, 2016, most facilities storing, processing, or manufacturing food are required to identify and, if necessary, control potential hazards in food under a Preventive Controls Rule promulgated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) pursuant to the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act of 2011 (FSMA). Some foods have had similar requirements in place […]
Ohio can attract billions in investment and create tens of thousands of good jobs by embracing clean energy, while building on Ohio’s traditional and emerging strengths. Decisions made in the coming years by political, business, and investment leaders will determine whether Ohio captures economic growth by developing a modernized energy economy, or risks losing valuable […]
Money talks. That’s why one key element in the battle against climate change must be aligning the financial compensation of executives to tangible corporate efforts to decarbonize. Better aligning incentives is particularly important in energy intensive industries, where the status quo can encourage decisions on strategy, investment, and operations that jeopardize the planet’s climate, while […]
Investors in the oil and gas industry have two primary roles to play in managing methane risk: company engagement and policy support. This guide includes three sections: Measure, Report and Reduce. Each section provides background to help inform investors, initial and follow-up discussion questions to guide constructive dialogue, and expectations for which operational and reporting […]
Full disclosure: I’ve been a big fan of Michael Porter and Mark Kramer since my days as a graduate business student. Lots of hours on group projects working on five forces analysis, you get the idea. So it was especially rewarding to read their recent Fortune article looking at the actions behind the Change the […]
There was some good news from the U.S. Energy Information Agency recently. It found that the Clean Trucks program, which is expected to be jointly finalized this summer by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT), will deliver huge carbon emission reductions. The Clean Trucks program is designed to improve […]
For the second year in a row, more than a third of consumers participating in the annual food industry survey rated chemicals in food as their most important food safety issue. Every year for the past decade, the International Food Information Council (IFIC) has surveyed more than 1,000 Americans aged 18-80, to gain insight into […]
Just over a decade ago, EDF and Walmart launched a groundbreaking partnership — one that’s delivering powerful results and helping to scale sustainability across the retail supply chain. About 20 years ago, I got on a plane to Bentonville, Arkansas, home of Walmart. Buoyed by the success of EDF’s pioneering partnership with McDonald’s, which did away […]
Methane emissions from the oil and gas sector are increasingly viewed as a financial issue for companies, and by extension, their investors. Every pound of methane allowed to escape represents not only a loss of sellable product, but also undercuts natural gas’ climate benefits as a fuel source. A 2015 study by the Rhodium Group […]
The Methane Detectors Challenge (MDC) was initiated to expedite development and commercialization of low-cost methane detection technologies. Phase 2 tested each technology developer’s entire system in controlled laboratory and outdoor settings in order to ensure that the systems performed as required prior to moving into industry pilots. The primary objectives of this phase were to […]
When setting and monitoring several of the key environmental performance metrics for freight, you’ll need to know how to calculate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This may sound complicated, but it’s actually quite simple. Fuels contain carbon, which is released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide when burned. If you know how much fuel you’ve used, […]
The Methane Detectors Challenge (MDC) was initiated to expedite development and commercialization of low-cost methane detection technologies. The Phase 1 testing evaluated the sensors from each of the technology developers. Other “system” components, such as power supplies, pumps, data acquisition, etc. were not considered part of the test, even if they were needed in order […]
This past year, we’ve seen some bold action by companies in what we’ve dubbed the business-policy nexus, and it’s taking several different forms. Some have been calling for state or federal action on environmental impacts, while others are taking far-reaching voluntary efforts that could help support policy advocacy in the future. Whether you view engagement […]
This report explores how tackling methane emissions not only produces cleaner air, but creates high-quality jobs in a growing domestic manufacturing and service sector. Key research findings The report identifies 76 companies nationwide that manufacture, sell, and support the proven and cost effective methane control technologies that are available today to tackle this problem. The report details […]
As we approach the 25-year anniversary of EDF’s work with the corporate sector, it’s an opportune time to reflect on our successes and plan for the work ahead. Over the years we have worked with McDonalds, Walmart, FedEx, KKR and many others to integrate sustainability into their operations, strategy, and supply chain management. Together, we […]
The Methane Detectors Challenge is a groundbreaking partnership between EDF, oil and gas companies, U.S. based technology developers, and other experts. This collaboration aims to catalyze the development and deployment of stationary, continuous methane monitors. So far, the competition has led to several cost-effective, state-of-the-art options – including sensor and laser technologies that oil and […]
A groundbreaking analysis conducted by ICF International shows that the U.S. oil and gas industry can significantly and cost-effectively reduce emissions of methane – the primary ingredient in natural gas and a highly potent greenhouse gas – using currently available technologies and operating practices. EDF commissioned ICF, a leading technical consulting firm with over thirty years of […]
By: Sarah Vogel This content was originally posted on The Huffington Post. Ever worry about what’s in that cleaner you just sprayed all over the house? What about the shampoo your kids use each night? Today, an overwhelming number of products on store shelves and in our homes contain chemicals known to pose health risks […]
Tags: climate policy news
