In The News: EDF Says McDonald’s Exemplifies Sustainability Leadership

In a recent post published originally on Forbes.com, the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) voiced support of McDonald’s new goal to help address climate change by significantly reducing our global carbon footprint.

“If McDonald’s history of sustainability leadership tells us anything, it’s that this company can prove what’s possible when you set ambitious goals, collaborate with unexpected partners, and leverage one of the world’s most powerful brands to drive environmental innovation and results,” wrote Elizabeth Sturcken, managing director of EDF + Business, the group’s corporate mobilization arm.

McDonald’s tactics to achieve emission reductions may be a work in progress, Sturcken acknowledges, but adds that our announcement demonstrates the stuff of great sustainable business leaders: transparency, setting the bar high and a holistic approach.

 “Yes, the roadmap to reach this goal is still in development, and climate commitments don’t mean much without climate action. Yet if McDonald’s history of sustainability leadership tells us anything, it’s that this company can prove what’s possible when you set ambitious goals, collaborate with unexpected partners, and leverage one of the world’s most powerful brands to drive environmental innovation and results.

McDonald’s and other leading companies around the globe know what specific actions are needed to reduce emissions. They know how to get started, even if they don’t yet know how to get to the finish line.

McDonald’s can’t meet this ambitious climate target by acting alone. It will take collaborating far beyond its own walls, and addressing the entire impact of its supply chain. It’s an ambitious goal, but one that I can wholeheartedly applaud.

Why? Because by issuing these goals first – without knowing all the answers – the company is already proving to be a corporate sustainability leader.”

Read the full blog here.