Apple has announced plans to further reduce its carbon footprint with the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. Multiple major tech companies, including the likes of Amazon and Microsoft, have made similar promises as the threat of climate change continues to loom over the world. If Apple sticks to the plan, it could help push even more companies in the same direction, hopefully dramatically reducing the effects of the climate crisis.
Apple unveiled a detailed roadmap of how it plans to combat its carbon footprint, targeting a 75% reduction in emissions by 2030 and developing "innovative carbon removal systems" for the remaining 25%. In addition, there will be changes to how Apple handles its manufacturing process, with the company putting a heavy emphasis on low carbon and recycled materials in its devices.
One way the company is driving innovation is "Dave," a robot capable of disassembling and recovering iPhone components more efficiently than previous models. These materials can go a long way too, as devices like Apple's iPhone have been constructed with recycled materials for the last year.
Apple is creating a fund to invest in carbon removal through avenues like forest restoration and protection, as well as other projects that will help reduce carbon emissions. The company will also take steps to work with governments and businesses around the world to help reduce carbon emissions globally.
The climate crisis remains a prevalent issue, even as the coronavirus pandemic continues to cause problems around the globe. With increasingly desperate calls to take action rising from various sources, some companies are finally starting to take action. Commitments from massive corporations like Apple and Amazon are an absolute must as humanity continues to work towards solutions to fight back against the issue.
Apple's outline is a major step in the right direction, but that largely depends on how closely the company sticks to its plan. As one of the largest tech companies in the world, Apple could easily lead others in the right direction, but it's hugely important that the company is held accountable should it fail to keep its promises of reducing carbon emissions.
Source: Apple