Ford eyes full carbon neutrality by 2050

Ford Motor Company announces its plan to aim global carbon neutrality by the year 2050, along with setting interim targets to crucially discuss the climate change challenges. The company issued a statement regarding that ambition in June 24 as it released its 21st annual Sustainability Report.

The American automaker is doing a very bold move in helping to lessen the effects of their vehicle production, and it clearly shows the commitment of the company in preserving and innovating their vehicles for the environment.

Carbon neutrality refers to achieving zero carbon emissions by balancing such emissions with carbon removal. Ford will focus initially on three areas that account for approximately 95 percent of its CO2 emissions—vehicle use, its supply base and the company’s facilities. The Blue Oval is said to be "the only full line US automaker committed to doing its part to reduce CO2 emissions in line with the Paris Climate Agreement and working with California for stronger vehicle greenhouse gas standards." 

The company said it plans to set the 2050 goal fully aware of challenges. This includes customer acceptance, government regulations, economic conditions and the availability of renewable, carbon-neutral electricity and renewable fuels.

“We can develop and make great vehicles, sustain and grow a strong business and protect our planet at the same time – in fact, those ideals complement each other. We don’t have all the answers yet but are determined to work with all of our global and local partners and stakeholders to get there.” said by Bob Holycross, vice president, chief sustainability, environment and safety officer. 

Ford is working to improve goals approved and defined by the Science Based Targets initiative for its Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions. Scope 1 covers direct emissions from company-owned or -controlled sources, while Scope 2 addresses indirect emissions from generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating and cooling consumed by Ford. Scope 3 emissions speak to in-use emissions from vehicles that Ford sells and emissions from its supply base, among others.

Ford continues to ratchet up more environmentally friendly products and operations. In 2019, the company expanded its climate strategy to find more effective ways to integrate the wants and needs of people and its business, along with the possibilities of technology, by applying human-centered, design-thinking. A cross-functional Ford team from around the world—including the U.S., Europe and China—developed the company’s carbon-neutral approach after analyzing information on the environment, customers, technology, legislation, energy, competitive approaches, life-cycle assessments and other trends.

Meeting the challenge of climate change is a key responsibility and a strategic priority for Ford. including helping limit the global temperature increase.

Mindy Lubber, CEO and president of the sustainability nonprofit organization Ceres, hailed Ford’s long-term goal and encouraged other companies to follow suit.

“We congratulate Ford on its commitment to be carbon neutral by 2050,” she said. “Ford recognizes the urgency to address climate change, and we urge every company to take action and commit to science-based targets within their global enterprises.”

Ford invests in more than $11.5 billion in electric vehicles through 2022, featuring zero-emission versions of, the Mustang Mach-E, which starts arriving in dealerships this year, as well as a Transit Commercial EV and fully electric F-150 coming within 24 months.

The company previously stated its plan to use 100-percent locally sourced renewable energy for all its manufacturing plants globally by 2035. That means energy would come only from sources that naturally replenish. This may prolong our natural resources, while opening up new innovations as well.

In addition to the company’s carbon neutrality goal and progress, the sustainability report highlights the company’s sustainability work across the company and around the world, including:

• COVID-19: Keeping People Safe
• Electrification
• Circular Economy
• Diversity and Inclusion 

Photo from Ford

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