As an early mover on climate action, Unilever has set a goal to reach net zero emissions across its value chain by 2039.
Unilever’s Climate Transition Action Plan sets out how it will meet this goal as well as two science-based targets to have emissions-free operations by 2030 and to halve its product footprint by the same year. Its focus in the 2020s and 2030s is on emissions reduction, not offsetting.
Unilever was the first company of its size to put its climate plan before a shareholder vote, to be transparent and to strengthen investor dialogue and engagement. At Unilever’s AGM in May 2021, 99.59% of the votes cast were in favour, indicating investor confidence.
Unilever’s hope is that by sharing its plan, and its learnings, other businesses will start to follow suit.