Company Signs Business Ambition for 1.5°C, Committing to Scope 1, 2 and 3 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets in Line with 1.5°C Emissions Scenarios in Order to Reach Science-Based Net Zero Emissions by 2050
FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J., Sept. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX), a leading global medical technology company, with support from a number of partners including Global Citizen, is proud to announce the company has officially signed on to the Race to Zero via the most ambitious Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the Business Ambition for 1.5⁰C, and this milestone will be celebrated on September 25, 2021 at Global Citizen LIVE.
The Business Ambition for 1.5⁰C was established in 2019 in response to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), warning that global warming must not exceed 1.5°C to avoid the catastrophic impacts of climate change. It calls for all members to pledge to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 by setting 1.5⁰C science targets. The IPCC issued a report in 2021 that again emphasized the deadly effects of climate change and dire need to address it. By signing the Business Ambition for 1.5⁰C, BD also joins the Race to Zero, an international network of leaders from businesses, cities, regions and investors working towards zero carbon recovery.
“We are committed to using our scale and influence to help address climate change and its effect on our environment and health systems around the world,” said Tom Polen, chairman, CEO and president, BD. “We are reducing the environmental impact of our product portfolio by changing the way we approach plastics and packaging materials, and working closely with our supply chain partners to reduce our carbon footprint. We are taking the next step by joining the Race to Zero and setting science-based targets to help address the worst effects of climate change – including the irreversible harm to human health – particularly in vulnerable people and populations.”
In 2020, BD committed to reduce Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 46% by 2030 (from a 2019 baseline) and to be carbon neutral across its direct operations by 2040. By signing the Business Ambition for 1.5⁰C commitment, BD has also committed to reduce Scope 3 GHG emissions in line with 1.5⁰C emissions scenarios by 2050.
