Hilary Russ

NEW YORK, Reuters – McDonald’s Corp. (NYSE:) Monday announced a new goal to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by net zero by 2050. This includes everything from its burgers and the lights in its restaurants to its light bulbs.

According to the burger chain, it is also working with Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), a non-profit organization that works on climate change issues. By 2030, it aims at reducing absolute emissions by about 33% for its suppliers and nearly 40,000 restaurant-owned and franchised around the world.

According to Jenny McColloch (Chief Sustainability Officer at McDonald’s), “We want to signal to partners, investors, suppliers, and other brands in global community, as well as policymakers that we support that vision for 2050.”

United Nations scientists have stated that global net emissions should be reduced to zero by 2050 if the goal is to reduce the increase in temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius from preindustrial levels.

Companies must have net zero plans to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and then offset them with projects that capture it.

Over 1000 companies have also signed pledges similar to those made by the UN or SBTi.

The Wednesday meeting of funds with nearly $30 Trillion in assets required 1,600 companies that pollute the most to establish science-based emissions goals. Wildfires as well as droughts and floods are making slowing climate change urgent.

McDonald’s ranks as the number one beef buyer in the world. Its supply chain accounts for roughly 80% of the company’s total emissions, including its consumption of chicken, beef and dairy. SBTi’s new guidelines will be used by the company to reduce emissions from agriculture and land use.

McColloch stated, “Beef offers a huge opportunity to drive impact in this world with our rancher and farmer partners.”

McDonald’s 2020 net zero goal for emissions comes from indirect sources as well, such corporate offices and restaurants.