Apple pushes for deeper decarbonization
Amazon and Apple have announced further efforts toward climate stabilization, equity and inclusion, and deeper decarbonization in the past month and a half. The tech giants have a lot to clean up, but they have also been leaders in the adoption of clean renewable energy. Below is a look at what Apple has been up to lately.
Deeper Apple Decarbonization
Image courtesy of Apple.
Apple began to put more pressure on its global supply chain to decarbonize. As part of that, it’s taking a closer look at its major manufacturing partners and working with these companies to decarbonize Apple-related operations. As part of that, Apple wants these providers to run on 100% renewable electricity.
Since 2020, Apple has been 100% carbon neutral for its own operations. It is now “laser-focused on its ambitious goal of becoming carbon neutral across its entire global supply chain and the life cycle of every product.” Apple has already reduced emissions since 2015 by 40%. His goal is full carbon neutrality by 2030. Here is more information on how he intends to achieve it:
“As part of Apple’s commitment to suppliers, the company is partnering with its global supply chain to urge accelerated action to achieve carbon neutrality for its Apple-related corporate operations. The company requires reports on progress toward these goals, specifically Scope 1 and Scope 2 emission reductions related to Apple production, and will track and audit progress on an annual basis. Apple will partner with suppliers that are working with urgency and making measurable progress toward decarbonization. […]
“More than 200 suppliers representing more than 70 percent of Apple’s direct manufacturing spend have already committed to using clean energy such as wind or solar for all Apple production. Major manufacturing partners, including Corning Incorporated, Nitto Denko Corporation, SK hynix, STMicroelectronics, TSMC, and Yuto, have committed to powering all Apple production with 100% renewable energy.
“To help suppliers meet their commitments and go even further, Apple offers a suite of free e-learning resources and live training through its Clean Power Program, and works closely with its suppliers and local partners. to identify effective solutions for renewable energy and carbon removal. . More than 150 vendor representatives have participated in live training this year alone. Apple plans to donate these resources to create a first-of-its-kind public training platform that is free to companies in many different industries, ensuring that companies of all sizes, in the Apple supply chain and beyond. , have access to resources, and defense networks needed to accelerate their transition to 100 percent clean energy and carbon neutrality.”
Apple is also working to add enough renewable energy in Europe to account for 100% of electricity. all Apple products on the mainland use. That means the electricity usage of people like you and me using an Apple computer or an iPhone in Europe.
Apple also has a new solution for iPhone users in the US. You can go into the Battery Health & Charging section of your phone’s settings and you can choose “Clean Power Charging”. By doing that, the phone will intelligently try to charge itself at times when the grid has more electricity from clean and renewable energy sources. As noted, this is only an option in the US for now, and it’s available through iOS 16. This cool consumer feature is probably something that deserves its own story.
Apple invests in community-driven climate solutions
“With Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance, Maasai farmers trek through the grasslands of Chyulu Hills, Kenya, where Apple and Conservation International have partnered to train hundreds of local community members in up-to-date rangeland management techniques.” Image courtesy of Apple.
Apple also recently invested in three new Restore Fund projects. The Restore Fund is “a first-of-its-kind carbon removal initiative that aims to generate a financial return while removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.” You can read more about those projects here.
In addition, the company announced some new “partnerships to promote community-driven climate solutions around the world.” This includes a project with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in Namibia and Zimbabwe, a partnership with the China Green Carbon Foundation, a project with Conservation International in Kenya and the launch of the ChangemakerXchange network in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Here are some more details about these partnerships:
- In Namibia and Zimbabwe, Apple is working with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to promote climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods through the Climate Crowd program. Climate Crowd works hand in hand with communities facing the worst impacts of climate change to build resilience and develop alternative livelihoods that depend on the preservation and restoration of natural resources in the region, from climate-smart agriculture to beekeeping and rainwater harvesting. In this region, the program also supports interventions such as clean cookstoves that help communities obtain the critical energy resources they need without depleting the natural resources that surround them.
- In China, Apple partnered with the China Green Carbon Foundation to conduct research, demonstrate best practices, and build stakeholder networks around the goal of increasing the quantity and quality of sustainably managed, nature-based carbon sinks. responsible. The partnership will support the identification and mapping of priority areas in Sichuan province, as well as the development of best practice guidelines and methods for forest management that could be replicated in other regions. Apple will also support a pilot in Chengdu to demonstrate carbon sequestration potential in urban and semi-urban areas, helping establish best practices for carrying out carbon sequestration projects in urban areas in China and improving climate resilience and adaptation. .
- In the Chyulu Hills region of Kenya, Apple has partnered with Conservation International since 2020 to demonstrate that better livestock management can help restore crucial grasslands, store carbon, and build climate-resilient pastoral livelihoods across Africa. To date, the project has trained hundreds of local Maasai community members in up-to-date rangeland management techniques, including more sustainable grazing practices, reduced soil erosion, natural regeneration, and the creation of grass seed banks. run by women.
- In Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, Apple is launching a new partnership with ChangemakerXchange to strengthen climate action and leadership in the region. By creating a network to connect, develop and promote youth-led climate innovation, Apple will help link solutions with funding opportunities and enhance climate leadership skills. The initiative will launch in Egypt at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27), and over the next two years will support a group of 100 changemakers and social innovators, 50 from Europe and 50 from the Middle East and Africa. from North.
To learn more about how Apple is mobilizing, inspiring, and assisting in decarbonization efforts around the world and throughout its supply chain, you can read Apple’s full story on the matter.
All images in this article are courtesy of Apple.
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