As it stands true both globally and within the United States, innovative solutions are often the best path forward when confronting challenging situations, including climate change. In regards to making real progress on this front, we must develop and utilize technologies and products that provide solutions. Fortunately, we are living in a unique time where both the private sector and the current administration are fighting for change.
Discussions are underway at COP26, where President Biden demonstrated renewed U.S. climate leadership, alongside Cabinet members and other high-level officials including U.S. climate envoy John Kerry, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, among others. During this week’s historic climate summit, world leaders are working toward accelerating action regarding the Paris Climate Accord and fulfilling commitments to reduce greenhouse gases worldwide.
Most experts believe COP26 has a unique urgency. World leaders are in Scotland, alongside tens of thousands of negotiators, government representatives, businesses and citizens for twelve days of discussion. With this assembly of resources, organizations, subject matter experts, and material, it is promising to see the commitment being made by public and private leaders across the world to come together with the intent of fulfilling commitments made collectively by businesses, governments, and organizations regarding climate change.
President Biden has shown commitment to taking tangible steps to address our country’s climate concerns since taking office. The Biden Administration has laid out bold greenhouse gas emissions goals to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Through the American Jobs Plan, a $2 trillion dollar investment in infrastructure, and rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement, the Administration has shown dedication to confronting climate change. In this fight, the White House knows that gaining private sector support is crucial to the mission and corporations across all sectors are making progress.
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Here in the United States, various sectors are making bold commitments to reduce their environmental impact. Various companies have announced goals to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions over the next 20-30 years. None will meet these objectives, however, without making alterations to their current business. For some sectors, a complete overhaul of their supply chain will be necessary, not to mention their current manufacturing operations.
Aluminum is categorized as one of the hardest to abate sectors, but through a revamp of their energy usage, materials and overall operations, some companies have begun to produce low-carbon aluminum. One global aluminum producer has begun producing aluminum with the world’s lowest carbon footprint ever recorded. That is not enough. That same company hopes to produce net-zero emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050 — the most ambitious climate goal ever set by a global aluminum manufacturer. Additionally, an American computer manufacturer has also prioritized low-carbon aluminum and requested that producers alter their manufacturing process to provide low-carbon aluminum. In one case, a producer took the leadership to develop and utilize new technology and in the other, a private sector company demanded an alteration of their supply.
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For many, supply chains must be updated to make positive progress on climate. The technology is here and the supplies are being produced. Customers, shareholders, boards of directors and executives are all asking for these commitments, but we cannot follow through and meet this responsibility without taking a critical look at all aspects of our business processes and supply chains. Low carbon aluminum should be utilized wherever possible.
The technologies exist to help us meet our goals. The hard part is utilizing the tools developed to get us there.
Baron Hill served as the representative for Indiana’s 9th congressional district.
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2021-11-12 14:16:55
