Three companies set new goals to address their environmental impact

Three global firms, GSK, Holcim, and Kering, are the first to adopt science-based targets for nature, aiming to curb water use and protect biodiversity.

Oliver Balch reports for Ethical Corporation Magazine, a part of Thomson Reuters.


In short:

  • GSK is partnering on water stewardship projects in India and plans to reduce water use by 20% by 2030.
  • Holcim targets a 39% reduction in freshwater withdrawals in Mexico and is addressing supplier traceability challenges.
  • Kering will cut water use by 21% and its land footprint by 3% by 2030, focusing on Tuscany’s leather tanning region.

Key quote:

“We need the comparability and measurability (of more brands joining the fray) in order to know that companies are doing enough to fulfil their part.”

— Erin Billman, executive director of Science Based Targets Network

Why this matters:

Corporate commitments to science-based targets for nature help companies learn about how to reduce their environmental footprint and thereby tackle biodiversity loss and water stress. Addressing these issues helps ensure sustainable supply chains and mitigate future environmental crises, but many companies remain reticent about participating.

Relevant EHN coverage: LISTEN: Revisiting our conversation with Jennifer Roberts discussing nature as medicine

Exterior of NCAR, National Center For Atmospheric Research
Photo credit: jenlo8/ BigStock Photo ID: 333253774

Trump administration to dismantle National Center for Atmospheric Research

The Trump administration announced plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado, citing concerns about “climate alarmism.”
Two workers in blue hazmat suits walking towards coal-fired power plant with sign in foreground warning "toxic danger."
Credit: Getty Images For Unsplash+

As Trump promotes coal, no respite for communities choking on the industry's dust

David Jones Jr. and his wife live a few hundred feet away from a large coal terminal where dust from mountainous, uncovered coal piles has blown over the community day after day for decades.

Coal mine blasting to remove overburden - explosion with dust cloud
Photo credit: agnormark/ BigStock Photo ID: 113462627

Alberta officials stalled coal mine pollution study

An Alberta government scientist was prevented from speaking publicly about his coal mine pollution research, emails show.

Ship and tugs are maneuvering at an LNG terminal
Credit: photowrzesien/BigStock Photo ID: 412271062

U.S. is seeking exemption from a European climate law, officials say

Diplomats told E.U. officials that the bloc’s law on methane, a potent greenhouse gas, would hurt American oil and gas companies.
A view of a row of cars in traffic with car exhaust

EU set to scrap 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel cars to boost auto industry

The EU looks set to scrap a ban on petrol and diesel cars that was supposed to come into effect in 2035, as European car makers are struggling against fierce competition from China and slow consumer update of electric vehicles.

Two scuba divers looking at multicolored coral surrounded by bright orange fish.
Credit: Getty Images/Unsplash+

Dominican Republic turns to assisted fertilization to save disappearing coral reefs

In an underwater nursery just off the Dominican Republic coast, tiny corals born in a laboratory are slowly growing under the eye of conservationists.
data center construction
Credit: MaxSafaniuk/BigStock Photo ID: 438562529

Data centers have a political problem — and Big Tech wants to fix it

A growth engine for the economy is becoming a political albatross. Can messaging change that?
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.