411 Businesses And Investors Support U.S. Federal Climate Target In Open Letter To President Biden

Last updated: 4/22/2021

411 businesses and investors with a footprint in the U.S. have signed an open letter to President Biden indicating their support for the Biden administration’s commitment to climate action, and for setting a federal climate target to reduce emissions. The letter was organized by the We Mean Business coalition and Ceres and originally published on April 13. Since then, support for the letter has grown significantly and the signatory list has expanded.

An excerpt from the letter states, “To restore the standing of the U.S. as a global leader, we need to address the climate crisis at the pace and scale it demands. Specifically, the U.S. must adopt an emissions reduction target that will place the country on a credible pathway to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. We, therefore, call on you to adopt the ambitious and attainable target of cutting GHG emissions by at least 50% below 2005 levels by 2030.”

The letter demonstrates the U.S. business and investor communities’ strong support for a highly ambitious 2030 emissions reduction target, or Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) pursuant to the Paris Agreement, in pursuit of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Latest climate modeling shows that at least halving emissions by 2030 is achievable, and provides strong economic benefits.¹ The Biden administration is expected to announce its NDC prior to the Leaders Summit on Climate.

Business signatories of the letter collectively represent over $4 trillion in annual revenue and employ over 7 million U.S. workers across all 50 states. They range in size from small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to large multinational corporations, and represent a number of industries including, but not limited to:

• Transportation (e.g., Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Lyft, Inc.)

• Energy and power (e.g., General Electric, National Grid, Ørsted North America)

• Health (e.g., Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer Inc.)

• IT and tech (e.g., Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Salesforce)

• Materials and manufacturing (e.g., LafargeHolcim, Siemens)

• Consumer goods, food and beverages (e.g., the Coca-Cola Company, Hershey, Kellogg Company, MARS, McDonald’s Corporation, Starbucks, Unilever)

• Retail and apparel (e.g., Best Buy, Gap Inc., IKEA Retail U.S., Levi Strauss & Co., Nike, Target, Walmart)

Additional signatories include Ben & Jerry’s Homemade, Inc.; BT Americas; Boston Consulting Group; Burton; Danone North America; Deloitte; DSM North America; eBay; Edison International; Etsy; Hewlett Packard Enterprise; Hilton; H&M; HP Inc.; Impossible Foods Inc.; Interface; JLL; Keap Candles; Lime; LinkedIn; L.L. Bean; Mastercard; Natura & Co; Nestlé; New Belgium Brewing; Novozymes North America; Ralph Lauren Corporation; SAP SE; Schneider Electric; Seventh Generation; Solvay; Stonyfield Organic; Tiffany & Co; Verizon; and VF Corporation, among others.———— _{1 EDF: Recapturing U.S. climate leadership with a bold new commitment to the Paris Agreement} 

Investor signatories of the letter collectively represent more than $1 trillion in assets under management and include CalSTRS, the New York State Comptroller, the New York City Comptroller and the California State Controller’s Office, among others.

“The U.S. business community is committed to doing its part to reduce emissions because it is good for the economy and helps us build back better. Companies want to work with the Biden administration toward a better future for all,” said María Mendiluce, CEO of the We Mean Business coalition. “I applaud businesses and investors for raising their voices in support of at least halving U.S. emissions by 2030. This is what the climate crisis requires, and will strengthen the country’s competitiveness and create more good jobs.”

“A strong national emissions reduction target is just what we need to catalyze a net-zero emissions future and build back a more equitable and inclusive economy,” said Anne Kelly, vice president of government relations at Ceres. “Businesses of all sizes recognize that reducing emissions is vital to keeping the U.S. competitive, and protecting the health and well-being of people and the planet. By setting a strong target, the Biden administration can ensure the U.S. is ready to return to its role as a global climate leader and spur further action from the private sector."

This open letter was generously supported by the effort of the We Mean Business coalition partners, which include BSR, CDP, Ceres, The B Team, The Climate Group, The Prince of Wales’s Corporate Leaders Group and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, and supporting partners, including America Is All In, the Climate Collaborative, E2, the Environmental Defense Fund, The Nature Conservancy and World Wildlife Fund. 

About We Mean Business

We Mean Business is a global coalition of nonprofit organizations working with the world’s most influential businesses to take action on climate change. The coalition brings together seven organizations: BSR, CDP, Ceres, The B Team, The Climate Group, The Prince of Wales’s Corporate Leaders Group and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. Together we catalyze business action to drive policy ambition and accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon economy. Find out more at wemeanbusinesscoaltion.org.

About Ceres

Ceres is a nonprofit organization working with the most influential capital market leaders to solve the world’s greatest sustainability challenges. Through our powerful networks and global collaborations of investors, companies and nonprofits, we drive action and inspire equitable market-based and policy solutions throughout the economy to build a just and sustainable future. For more information, visit ceres.org and follow @CeresNews.

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ADDITIONAL QUOTES

Fred Krupp, President, Environmental Defense Fund: “Strong support from so many U.S. business leaders demonstrates now is the time to set an ambitious, achievable goal of cutting U.S. emissions by at least 50% by 2030. Bold action from the U.S. is critical to put the world on a path to net zero emissions, accelerating American innovation and protecting frontline communities from the worst impacts of climate change.”

Barbara Humpton, President and CEO, Siemens USA: “At Siemens, we’re looking at this as a decade of action to create a future that’s more sustainable, more resilient and more equitable. That action includes our own 2015 pledge to be carbon neutral by 2030, and we’re proud of the work we’ve done to get us more than halfway there. In bringing bold policy objectives and leadership to climate action, the U.S. Administration is setting the stage for transformative change, for our planet, economy, and society. Tackling climate with the technologies and tools available today allows us to prepare people for the jobs of tomorrow, address equity and build 21st infrastructure. Siemens supports bold action on climate, and we stand ready to work with the U.S. Administration to ensure the nation is a leader in the new green economy.”

David Hardy, CEO, Ørsted Offshore North America:“At Ørsted, we believe in a world that runs entirely on green energy. Reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 requires bold leadership and urgent action. The Biden Administration’s recent announcements related to climate change are examples of the bold leadership that we need. We encourage the Administration to go further and reduce emissions by at least 50% by 2030. This action will set the nation on a path to achieve its climate goals rapidly.”

Hugh Welsh, President and General Counsel, DSM North America:"DSM believes that robust climate policy is essential to safeguarding public health and building a strong, resilient economy. We are working to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 because it's the right thing to do and because it makes business sense. However, business needs bold action from the federal government—including at least a 50% by 2030 emissions reduction target—to help us meet this goal and build an inclusive clean energy future for all."

Badar Khan, President, National Grid, US:“There is a long road ahead to slow climate change, but we are optimistic. We support the Biden Administration in their dedication to tackling climate and now we need to raise the bar. We urge the U.S. to adopt the ambitious target of cutting GHG emissions by at least 50% below 2005 levels by 2030. We care deeply about the future of this planet and the well-being of the millions of people we serve.”

Jacki Kelley, CEO, dentsu Americas:“At dentsu we’re proud to be aiming for the highest level of climate ambition, with a science-based target aligned to preventing a rise above 1.5°C. But none of us can get there alone. Business and international collaboration is key. As a global business, we support U.S. climate ambitions. Re-entering the Paris Agreement was a vital first step. But this Earth Day, as President Biden brings world leaders together, we’re calling for an ambitious emissions reduction target that will enable the transition to a low-carbon economy.”

David Linde, CEO, Participant:“More than a decade ago, An Inconvenient Truth laid bare the planetary emergency before us, and it is high time for our country to be a leader again in taking ambitious action to address our climate crisis. No matter the industry, we are all impacted by a warming Earth, and we are proud to join this coalition of business leaders calling on the Biden Administration to boldly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

Brian Brazeau, President, North America Novozymes:"As the world’s largest industrial biotechnology company, with bio-innovation operations from Copenhagen in Denmark to Milwaukee in the U.S., Novozymes is proud to support the call for at least halving emissions by 2030. We can harness the renewable potential of millions of acres of cropland, sequester GHG emissions, boost yields, and increase the production of renewable energy made from farm crops, such as corn or soybeans. With smart policy and smart science, the Biden Administration can raise the bar for nations around the world, but to do that, it is vital that biofuels are core in the U.S. strategy. At Novozymes, we specialize in tapping into the power of nature to deliver advanced biology that does everything from boosting crop yields without added fertilizer, to improving laundry detergents to cut energy and water waste. Our innovation helps biofuel producers get more energy out of every harvest. These technologies have already helped the U.S. replace about 10% of liquid fuels with renewable alternatives. The vital importance of these bio-based solutions to address the climate crisis is already recognized, but ideas must be turned into action. Incentives that would allow the entire agricultural supply chain to invest in the future and a fuel market that is open to higher-biofuels blends - such as E15 - that allow drivers to save money, while reducing consumption of fossil fuel, are essential. These opportunities would not only drive green economic growth in the U.S., but could also offer a roadmap for other countries.” Patrick Perus, CEO, Polycor Inc.:“The scientific consensus is clear; the world is facing an urgent carbon problem. We recognize that progress requires not just a bold goal, but the very first step is taking responsibility for our carbon footprint. Our move toward being carbon neutral by 2025 puts the company five years ahead of the curve set by the American Institute of Architects’ call to become carbon neutral by 2030. We are confident that our sustainability leadership within the natural stone industry can inspire other construction material providers to do the same. This is the only future of the construction industry.” Chris Jones, Regional CEO - North America & Asia Pacific, Anthesis Group:“Anthesis is proud to support the call for an ambitious 2030 U.S. emissions reduction target. As the sustainability activator, Anthesis has set a goal of reducing and removing more than 3 gigatons (GT) of CO2e by 2030 through its clients on their journey towards net-zero, equivalent to more than half the current annual total U.S. carbon dioxide emissions. Decisive action is needed now, and we join with other leading organizations to call on the U.S. administration to put forward comprehensive, robust U.S. climate action that will unlock millions of jobs, build resilience and improve U.S. infrastructure.” Ahmad Wani, CEO and Co-Founder, One Concern, Inc.:"President Biden's actions on our country's climate change goals will have an acute effect on America's legacy and survivability. Climate change is an existential threat to the nation and to the entire world. The U.S. government needs to pursue a forward-looking, integrated national resilience strategy that reflects a post-pandemic economy and invests in climate-resilient solutions to both future-proof the economy, as well as address the social inequities before us. We urge President Biden to make a once-in-a-lifetime commitment so that future generations may enjoy a more resilient nation and a more sustainable planet.” Stephane Bilodeau, Eng., PhD, FEC, Founder and Chairman, Smart Phases Inc. (dba Novacab): "The business benefits of climate action are clear. Companies that not only align their business strategies with climate science but also quickly integrate low carbon solutions are best-placed to thrive as the global economy transitions to a required net-zero future." New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli:"Climate change remains one of the most pressing risks to public health and the economy. As we continue to witness its devastating impact and strive to achieve a net-zero economy, it is urgent that we set a new bold greenhouse gas emissions reduction target. This is essential for the United States' leadership mitigating the climate crisis, and is critical to protecting the investments of the New York State Common Retirement Fund.” New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer:"The U.S. must lead the world in sustainable solutions for our planet and for our future. We need to take action to build a cleaner, greener economy with the urgency that the crisis demands. I'm proud to join with Ceres and these investors to call for cutting emissions by at least 50% below 2005 levels by 2030. As we recover and rebuild from this pandemic, we have an opportunity to invest in clean jobs, sustainable infrastructure and energy efficiency. Let's lead the charge to stand up for our cities, our people and the only Earth we have because the future is on the side of big ideas in sustainability — not big polluters." Katie Fallon, Executive Vice President and Chief Global Impact Officer, McDonald’s:“At McDonald’s we are committed to being a part of the solution and using our scale and reach to tackle climate change. We have a responsibility to the nearly 40,000 communities we serve to protect the planet and build a more resilient and equitable future.  Now is the time to be bold, and that is why McDonald’s fully supports the United States setting a target that reduces emissions by at least 50% by 2030 as a way to catalyze the necessary investments to ensure a better tomorrow.” Sri Shivananda, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, PayPal:“At PayPal, we are committed to managing our environmental impact and taking action to address climate change so we may advance our mission to drive financial health and inclusion for all. We have set science-based targets for our greenhouse gas emissions and pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2040. We are proud to support ambitious U.S. climate policy and join alongside many other leading organizations in support of a robust Nationally Determined Contribution.” Barry Parkin, Chief Procurement and Sustainability Officer, Mars, Incorporated:“Bold leadership and action is critical in changing the trajectory on climate change. As the U.S. rebuilds from the pandemic, it’s vital that more sustainable, inclusive and equitable economies are put at the heart of recovery plans. We need to act now—the path to a resilient and sustainable future is a massive challenge, but the power is in our hands.” Jeffrey Hogue, Chief Sustainability Officer, Levi Strauss & Co.:“The urgency could not be clearer: Climate change poses an existential threat to society and to business. Addressing the climate crisis requires rapid action at an economy-wide scale. That’s why we are calling on the U.S. to commit to science-based greenhouse emissions reductions of at least 50% by 2030.”

Brian Tippens, Chief Sustainability Officer, Hewlett Packard Enterprise: "As business leaders, we recognize that climate action is a path to job creation, economic growth, improved public health and enhanced innovation. We must transition to low-carbon business models to compete in the post-pandemic economy, and implore the U.S. Administration to accelerate the country’s net-zero transition.”

Erin Meezan, Chief Sustainability Officer, Interface:“Since January 2021, the White House has shown a renewed focus on climate action, which is more critical than ever as we continue to experience the impact of global warming. To bolster these efforts and address climate change at the urgent pace it requires, it’s critical the U.S. adopts a bold 2030 target to begin a countrywide effort toward a green economy. At Interface, we understand the importance of widespread, moonshot ambitions to drive action. We announced net-zero success in 2019 and have set our sights even higher to become a carbon negative enterprise by 2040.” Molly Fogarty, Senior Vice President of Government and Corporate Affairs, Nestlé:"To have a real impact on climate change, we all need to do our part. That's why Nestlé supports the U.S. setting a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2030, and why we are committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050 across our businesses and supply chain in the U.S. and around the globe. We look forward to collaborating with the White House to advance ambitious climate solutions that will build a more resilient economy, create jobs and help us leave the world better than we found it.”

Chris Adamo, Vice President, Federal and Industry Affairs, Danone North America:“We need urgent action and business transformation. The public and private sectors, however, must work together towards this common goal. At Danone North America we believe in using our business as a force for good and as a food and agriculture company, we’re uniquely positioned to meet this challenge. Climate action is good for our business, our farming partners and our communities. We look forward to partnering with government and likeminded organizations to find solutions that combat the problem and create positive impacts for all people’s quality of life.”

Alpa Sutaria, Vice President, General Manager, Sustainability, Coca-Cola North America:  “The Coca-Cola Company stands ready to work with the U.S. administration to implement its ambitious climate agenda and advocate for climate policies that are bold, inclusive and comprehensive and support business growth. The impacts of climate change are already being felt by communities and businesses across the world. In the fight against this global challenge for our planet this decade will be a crucial one, therefore collective, ambitious and positive climate action is necessary. We acknowledge that we have a responsibility to contribute solutions by both reducing our own emissions and building resilience by helping the business and communities to adapt to climate change. We are ready and willing to do our part.”

Andrew Savage, VP of Sustainability, Lime:"For too long, the false notion that policy-makers have to choose between jobs or the environment has hampered aggressive climate action. That tide has turned. It's now abundantly clear that not only do we ignore climate action at our own financial and environmental peril, but that the business community is rallying for a decarbonized future which will be more efficient, prosperous and better for our economy."

Chelsea Mozen, Director of Impact & Sustainability, Etsy:“Climate change remains an ever-present threat to our environment and humanity globally, and we are bound and determined to do everything within our power to drive reductions in Etsy’s footprint. That’s why we committed to an ambitious goal to reach Net Zero carbon emissions by 2030. We want to encourage the Biden administration to set a similar timeline for the attainable goal of cutting U.S. GHG emissions by at least 50% below 2005 levels by 2030.”