Back in 2020, Ford did what so many other automakers were doing at the time: announcing climate-positive plans, like fully electric lineups and carbon neutrality roadmaps. The Blue Oval opted for the latter. Now, the company is reaffirming this commitment, reassuring everyone it will be carbon neutral 25 years from now.
Ford Focuses On Three Areas For Path To Carbon Neutrality
Ford says it will focus on three key areas – weak spots that most need addressing as the brand plots out the next 25 years of its plan. These items – vehicle use, supply base, and the company’s facilities – account for 95 percent of the brand’s CO2 emissions. Ford, of course, says it will lean on EVs and hybrids to get there, affirmed by Bob Holycross, Ford’s Vice President, Chief Sustainability, Environment and Safety Officer.
“We’re making tangible progress in reducing emissions across our vehicles, operations and supply chain, having achieved a 49 percent reduction in absolute global operations greenhouse (GHG) gas emissions since 2017,” Holycross said. “And since 2019, we have had a 16 percent reduction in total Scope 3 GHG emissions, which are indirect emissions occurring in a company’s value chain, encompassing both upstream and downstream activities.” Near-term goals should be realized, too, with the company’s Michigan facilities being powered by 100% carbon-free electricity.
Ford Can’t Let This Be Another Page-Six Walkback
Back when everyone thought EVs were the next big thing, it was practically a race to be the next automaker to claim they’d be fully electric and carbon neutral by 2030. It’s 2025, and by and large, many of these brands are no longer committed to a fully electric lineup. Most walked back their statements years later, hoping no one would notice as hype for EVs died down and an anti-EV administration took the lead on federal policy. Volvo and Stellantis have both abandoned their 2030 commitments.
Ford can’t afford to do that with its carbon neutrality plans. The automaker needs to be carbon neutral because it pollutes more than any individual ever will. Putting aside the absolute necessity of it, Ford has now doubled down, following its 2020 announcement. To fail, or to walk back its plans, would be a stain on the brand, and one that will hopefully be widely reported on should it happen.
