Apple pledges support for massive climate change pledge

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Apple Store
Apple's shelling out billions to go green.
Photo: Apple

Apple executives are joining top brass from 12 other major U.S. corporations at the White House today to announce a $140 billion pledge in new investments to decrease their carbon footprints.

The 13 companies which also includes Microsoft and Google, are joining the Obama Administration’s push to lead the effort against climate change ahead of the the United Nations climate-change summit in Paris later this year by launching the American Business Act on Climate Pledge.

By signing the pledge, companies are voicing their support for a strong outcome in Paris, while also setting an example for other companies to follow. A second round of pledges are expected to be announced later this year, but the initial group’s investment of $140 billion should produce 1,600 megawatts of renewable energy.

Companies have also set specific goals to cut emissions as much as 50%, purchase 100% renewable energy, and pursue zero net deforestation in supply chains. For it’s part, Apple is already running on 100% renewable energy, and will bring 280 megawatts of power online by the end of 2016. The iPhone-maker has also reduced carbon emissions from corporate facilities, data centers and Apple Stores by 48% since 2011.

Other companies joining Apple in the $140 billion pledge include Berkshire Hathaway, Goldman Sachs, Wal-Mart, UPS, PepsiCo, General Motors, Alcoa, Bank of America, and Cargill.

Source: White House

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