Editor’s Note: Check back next week for a podcast episode featuring Bryce Eger, president of Corteva Agriscience Canada.
This week, Corteva Agriscience announced its intention to become a more carbon-efficient business. In its inaugural 2020 Sustainability Report, the company detailed a commitment to set science-based targets for its greenhouse gas emission reductions. The report also highlights the company’s 2030 goals.
“We recognize that climate change affects us all. We are taking action that is right for our business and farmers,” said Jim Collins, Corteva CEO. “Our commitment signals that we intend to do our part on this important issue. By addressing this global challenge today, we are fortifying our ability to grow food, grow progress and build a sustainable industry that will help humanity thrive for generations to come.”
Corteva’s sustainability report is being released one year after the company announced 14 ten-year commitments to advance sustainability for farmers, for the land, in communities and in the company’s operations.
“Last year, Corteva took a bold step in announcing sustainability goals that span across the globe and are embedded across our entire business,” said Anne L. Alonzo, SVP External Affairs and Chief Sustainability Officer, Corteva Agriscience. “This report provides an update on how we’re working to achieve them through our innovative products, collaborations and the efforts of our 21,000 employees worldwide.”
Enterprise Climate Strategy Goal
Corteva has set forth a commitment to set science-based targets for its greenhouse gas emissions reductions. These 2030 targets are aligned with Corteva’s scale and global impact — joining the effort to limit global warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.
The company’s commitments include:
- 65% intensity reduction for scope 1 and 2 emissions
This number reflects emissions relative to the intensity of Corteva’s business activities, a figure derived from projected revenue. An intensity metric is indexed relative to company growth.
- 20% intensity reduction for scope 3 emissions
While this is a new commitment, the company’s efforts to address climate issues are not new. Corteva and its founding companies have a strong history of advancing climate initiatives, while also providing digital tools, seed technology, and crop protection products to help farmers reduce emissions in their operations.
Corteva Agriscience intends to achieve this goal through a variety of initiatives, including taking steps to reduce energy usage, focus efforts in R&D, increase production efficiencies, and transition to renewable energy sources. As a next step, Corteva will validate these targets with the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Corteva’s 2020 Sustainability Report Released
Along with the climate strategy announcement, Corteva’s inaugural 2020 Sustainability Report highlights the company’s sustainability goals and efforts toward achieving them.
It reflects the work and contributions of Corteva employees to improve farmers’ livelihoods and operations while conserving resources and sustaining the land, strengthen communities and increase sustainability within the company’s operations — ensuring that farmers and the agriculture industry can produce a healthy and affordable food supply for the global population.
