Next-generation digital services and consultancy Infosys and communications company Verizon has joined an Amazon and Global Optimism initiative by pledging to be net zero carbon across the business by 2040, a decade ahead of the Paris Accord’s goal of 2050.
The Climate Pledge calls on companies to measure and report greenhouse gas emissions on a regular basis.
It expects companies to implement decarbonisation strategies in line with the Paris Agreement through real business changes and innovations, including efficiency improvements, renewable energy, materials reductions, and other carbon emission elimination strategies.
Signatories should also neutralize any remaining emissions with additional, quantifiable, real, permanent, and socially-beneficial offsets to achieve net zero annual carbon emissions by 2040.
Amazon founder and chief executive Jeff Bezos said: “Infosys is showing bold leadership by signing up to The Climate Pledge and committing to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement 10 years early.
“When significant companies like Infosys join The Climate Pledge, they send an important signal to the market that it’s time to invest in low carbon products and services.
“I’m excited that Verizon is signing The Climate Pledge and committing to reach the Paris Agreement 10 years early. Tackling climate change requires innovation, leadership, and partnership – no one can do it alone.
“Verizon has set aggressive goals to increase energy efficiency across its operations and power its business with 50% renewable energy by 2025 – on the path to achieving net zero carbon by 2040.”
Infosys managing director and chief executive Salil Parekh said: “At Infosys, we recognized climate change as a serious threat to our planet early on, and realised our responsibility as a corporate institution to mitigate its impact by taking concrete steps.
“We believe that the way in which global organizations responded to this crisis would play a big role in defining how the rest of the world takes up the cause.
“As a result, we committed to climate action over a decade ago, and since then, the impact on climate and environment have been important considerations in the decisions we make as an organisation.
“We are pleased to partner with Amazon and Global Optimism in The Climate Pledge initiative with a collective aim to work towards a low-carbon future.”
Verizon chairman and chief executive Hans Vestberg said: “Climate change is a global challenge that impacts everyone, and that is why we considered it vital to join The Climate Pledge.
“At Verizon, it does not stop with reducing our carbon footprint. Through our technology and networks, we’re innovating solutions for customers, increasing efficiencies and building resiliency across the company and the communities we serve.”
Global Optimism founding partner and former UN climate change chief Christiana Figueres said: “The Paris Agreement set out a unifying roadmap for all countries and all people to address the climate crisis by taking action. The IPCC has informed us that we cannot warm the planet beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius.
“By committing to achieve net zero emissions by 2040, Infosys is not just making a statement of commitment to the future, it is committing to significant actions and investments that will create jobs, spur innovation, regenerate the natural environment and help consumers to buy better in the short term.
“This is what leadership looks like in resetting the global economy.”
Technology, communications, information and entertainment products and services
“Leaving future generations with a cleaner world is core to our values as a responsible business.