McDonald’s planning net zero emissions by 2050

McDonald’s is planning to cut its greenhouse gas emissions so that the company is net-zero emissions by the year 2050. 

The restaurant shared Monday that it is partnering with the nonprofit organization Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to help revamp its climate change focus and meet the new goal. 

“We believe we have both a privilege and a responsibility to help lead on issues that matter most in communities – and there is no issue more urgent globally and of impact locally than protecting our planet for generations to come,” McDonald’s President and CEO Chris Kempczinski said in a statement.  

“By committing to net zero through the SBTi’s Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign, we are helping every community we serve mitigate the impacts of climate change and adapt for the future.”

United Nations scientists have said that the world’s net emissions must fall to zero by 2050 to limit the rise of global temperatures to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius versus pre-industrial levels, according to Reuters.

Net-zero plans require companies to decrease their carbon dioxide emissions and cut back on remaining projects that use gas

About 1,000 companies have signed similar agreements with the UN and SBTi, Reuters reported.