If we want to have any chance at successfully mitigating the worst effects of the climate crisis, we’re going to need companies to recognize the realities of climate change and readjust their business strategies accordingly. Recently, German automotive supplier Bosch did just that, announcing plans to become fully carbon neutral by 2020, making it the first major industrial company to take that step.
The Stuttgart-based company aims to achieve its goal by increasing energy efficiency, expanding the share of renewables in its energy supply to as much as 40 percent, buying in more green power and offsetting unavoidable CO2 emissions. After announcing the ambitious plans, Bosch Chief Executive Volkmar Denner told the world that “If we are to take the Paris Agreement seriously, then climate action needs to be seen not just as a long-term aspiration. It needs to happen here and now.” The hope is now that Bosch can spur other major companies to follow in their footsteps.