World's largest companies' climate pledges 'lack real substance'

One company with ‘reasonable integrity’

clock • 2 min read

New analysis of climate pledges by 25 of the world’s largest companies has revealed that the majority cannot be taken “at face value” and “exaggerate their actions”, with many only committing to reduce their emissions by 40% on average, not the 100% they claim.

The findings of the Corporate Climate Responsibility Monitor, which was conducted by NewClimate Institute in collaboration with Carbon Market Watch, showed that of the 25 major companies evaluated, only one company's net-zero pledge was considered to have "reasonable integrity" - logistics company Maersk. Three companies' pledges - Apple, Sony and Vodafone - were evaluated by the monitor as having "moderate" integrity, while ten "low" and the remaining 12 rated as having "very low" integrity. The research concluded that many net zero and carbon neutral pledges made by large companies ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Investment Week for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, analysis and opinion from the investment industry, including the Sustainable Hub covering fund news from the ESG space
  • Get ahead of regulatory and technological changes affecting fund management
  • Important and breaking news stories selected by the editors delivered straight to your inbox each day
  • Weekly members-only newsletter with exclusive opinion pieces from leading industry experts
  • Be the first to hear about our extensive events schedule and awards programmes

Join now

 

Already an Investment Week
member?

Login

More on ESG

FIF25: SDR plans for MPS should be 'natural progression' for FCA
ESG

FIF25: SDR plans for MPS should be 'natural progression' for FCA

A ‘clear’ move for industry

Isabel Baxter
clock 05 June 2025 • 2 min read
FE fundinfo's Helen Slater: ESG's defence debate hinges on transparency
ESG

FE fundinfo's Helen Slater: ESG's defence debate hinges on transparency

Clearer disclosure will be key

Helen Slater
clock 05 June 2025 • 4 min read
Trump concerns cause global investors to shun US sustainable companies
ESG

Trump concerns cause global investors to shun US sustainable companies

Europe leads in climate investing

Beth Brearley
clock 04 June 2025 • 2 min read
Trustpilot