We Are All ‘Still In’ This Together
One year ago, leaders from all over the U.S. — representing businesses, investors, colleges, universities, towns, cities, and states throughout America — joined together to declare “We Are Still In” the global Paris Agreement, promising to world leaders that America will fulfill its global commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and curb the damaging effects of climate change.
Now, with nearly 2,800 signatories and growing, representing 160 million Americans and more than $6.2 trillion of the U.S. economy, this diverse cross section of the economy is helping to ensure the U.S. remains a global leader in climate change.
One year later, it’s safe to say that ‘We Are Still In.’
As one of the co-founders of We Are Still In, Ceres is thrilled by the uptake of the unprecedented support from these leaders from all 50 states to work together on the greatest challenge of our time. In line with that, as a sustainability nonprofit organization, Ceres works with companies across all sectors to embolden commitments to renewable energy and energy efficiency and strengthen goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions — making the case that these actions make economic and financial sense.
In March, McDonald’s became the first restaurant company in the world to address global climate change by setting a Science Based Target, committing to partner with franchisees to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from offices and restaurants by 36 percent by 2030 from a 2015 base year. Additionally, through collaboration and partnership with suppliers and producers, the company is committed to a 31 percent reduction in emissions intensity (per metric ton of food and packaging) in its supply chain by 2030 from 2015 levels. This target will enable McDonald’s to grow as a business without growing emissions. McDonald’s recognizes that achieving this target presents a shared challenge for the industry and others, and is excited about the potential for new technologies and coalitions to drive progress forward.
That’s why McDonald’s joined more than a dozen others on the We Are Still In Leaders Circle. McDonald’s is committed to doing its part to drive a new wave of ambitious climate action and clean energy policies. To be more effective, McDonald’s will work with other signatories across the economy to inspire even more action.
In the coming week, Ceres and McDonald’s will both participate in the Boston Mayor Marty Walsh’s Climate Summit, which will bring together thought leaders and problem solvers to dig into how cities and states and national and international governments can work together to address climate change. Additionally, Ceres and McDonald’s are co-hosting a Climate Roundtable to bring a similar group to talk more deeply about how we can all help achieve our climate goals in the US and beyond.
These conversations and others McDonald’s is convening across the country from San Francisco to Chicago to Washington, D.C., will highlight the important role businesses must play in tackling climate challenges, and the importance of working across sectors to meet these ambitious commitments and deliver on the goals of the Paris Agreement.
It’s not just about talk for us, it’s about inspiring new commitments and collaborations to drive greater impact. One year later, we are still in - this together.
