Towards Net Zero: Addressing Climate Change Across Businesses, Communities

By Bechara Choucair, MD and Kathy Gerwig

As we kick off Climate Week, we’re encouraged by the commitments so many organizations have made to mitigate the effects of climate change across communities. At Kaiser Permanente, we’re making progress toward achieving carbon neutrality from our operations in 2020 to advance the health of our communities and planet – and we’re not alone.

As the National Climate Assessment reported earlier this year, the world needs to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 or earlier to prevent catastrophic climate change. In a global survey of 300+ multinational companies on progress toward carbon neutrality, published in partnership with Newsweek, it’s clear the effects of climate change are becoming harder for businesses to ignore.

The report found 70% of multinational corporations surveyed are experiencing disruptions in their operations, and are raising their ambitions in-line with climate science – with wide-ranging consequences for global supply chains. Thankfully, there’s a path forward. The Newsweek survey found:

• 76% of companies have set a goal to achieve net zero emissions from their operations;
• 90% of companies with net zero targets aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030; and
• 70% of companies with net zero targets express ‘high’ or ‘very high’ confidence in achieving it.

The momentum to embrace sustainability programs across industries reflects the urgency of this issue - and serves as an important reminder that the time to take action is now.

We’re proud to stand alongside organizations committed to embracing a public health agenda to mitigate climate change and prevent its harmful effects worldwide. By addressing how #ClimateChangesHealth, we hope to create more healthy years for our members and communities.

The road to net zero will require continued public-private and cross-industry collaboration from leaders. We invite you to explore the tools included in the report and create a plan of action with your own organizations to create a more sustainable future.