Tag: 3BL

At Comcast, we want everyone to get the most out of their connectivity and entertainment experience. But for the disabled community, connectivity can remain a challenge. A study from the Pew Research Center found that disabled Americans are less likely than those without a disability to report using the internet daily (75% vs. 87%). And Americans with disabilities are three times more likely than those without a disability to say they never go online (15% vs. 5%). That’s why we work to advance digital inclusion for everyone from every angle: through our products, our services, our partnerships, and our content.

Last week we celebrated Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) by taking the opportunity to amplify our shared commitment to digital inclusion – no matter your age, ability, or background. For over a decade, our approach has been grounded in the belief that when you make an experience more inclusive, everyone benefits.

At Comcast, inclusion drives innovation. Our goal is to develop solutions to bring people closer to the moments that matter most. From enabling the use of Xfinity services with eye-tracking technology through our web remote for people with physical or speech disabilities to offering voice control to make entertainment easier for everyone — our innovation has advanced a more inclusive entertainment experience for our customers.

These stories keep us inspired and motivated to continue to push the envelope and forge ahead in our work. While chatting with Sheletta Brundidge on her podcast last year, she shared with me the story of her father-in-law, whose home entertainment experience had become frustrating and difficult when he developed some dexterity issues making the small buttons on his remote cumbersome. An avid football fan, he had accidentally enabled Spanish language audio and couldn’t disable it. Sheletta shared that for him, it was “devastating” to not be able to press a button and be independent. His family visited their Xfinity store where they learned about our Large Button Voice Remote; with it, he was finally able to watch his games on Sunday without needing assistance from others.

Sheletta learned about this solution at our retail store, but for many, a visit to any retail environment presents a challenge. Knowing how many of our customers rely on in-person support for technology services, our inclusivity lens led us to explore ways we can make our retail experience more accessible as well. So last year, in partnership with the Communications Services for the Deaf (CSD), we kicked off American Sign Language (ASL) Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) services in select Xfinity retail stores and have expanded this year to additional stores across DC, Maryland, Virginia, and Greater Philadelphia.

Enhancing customer service for deaf or hard-of-hearing customers is a game-changer for those who speak ASL. At our ASL VRI launch event in Philadelphia, Alycia, an Xfinity customer and teacher at the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, shared with me that being able to communicate with our retail associates through a live interpreter made her store experience more efficient, more enjoyable, and less stressful.

In addition to focusing on the customer and product experience, we’re also working with community partners to advance digital inclusion for people with disabilities. That’s why we team up with partners like The Arc to help people with disabilities leverage technology to open doors to new experiences and opportunities.

Kris, a 59-year-old man with cerebral palsy, is an active member of his community but needed to deepen his digital skills to broaden his civic service. As a result of their partnership with Comcast, The Arc of Weld County was able to provide Kris with tech coaching and help him in his role of giving back to his community. Through a grant over two years, The Arc will be able to continue providing these critical digital-skills services.

Continuing to better understand the diverse needs of our customers is central to achieving our goal of delivering inclusive products and services. We closed out GAAD by keeping this conversation going with our employees. This year, I was thrilled to welcome Michele Sullivan, a globally recognized disability advocate, leader, and author of the acclaimed autobiography Looking Up, who joined our teammates for a discussion about accessibility, action, and allyship.

Opportunities like the event with Michele Sullivan to engage with the disability community and sharing stories like Alycia, Kris, and Sheletta’s are critical to better understanding what it means to be “inclusive.”

Tom Wlodkowski is Vice President of Accessibility at Comcast

Taco Bell blog

For nine years, the Taco Bell Foundation has fueled students’ boldest ambitions to create good through the Live Más Scholarship, a program rooted in the belief that our youth hold the key to the future. By providing transformative scholarships, valuable networking platforms, and professional development resources, we’re simply adding to the fervor that’s already burning bright in these students. Change starts with them – read on to discover the unique stories of five 2024 Live Más Scholarship recipients who are truly making a difference.

Axel O. – Incoming Freshman, Las Vegas, NV

Axel’s profound connection to mariachi music is more than a hobby; it’s a heartfelt tribute to his heritage. As the Student Director of the acclaimed Mariachi Joya of Las Vegas High School, he’s set to attend the University of Nevada Las Vegas and join their first cohort of the Mariachi Education Program. Having performed at the Grammys and the White House, Axel is committed to sharing the enrichment that mariachi has brought to his life. 

Tallulah M. – Incoming Freshman, Omaha, NE

Tallulah juggles roles as a photographer, community volunteer, athlete, and an aspiring trauma surgeon. Her dedication as a soccer goalkeeper has fueled her desire to enter the medical profession, drawing parallels between the decisive nature of both fields. Raised in a Hispanic community, she observed the rarity of Latina surgeons and is determined to prove that big dreams are attainable. With plans for pre-med at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Tallulah aims to continue her hospital volunteer work and nurture her photographic artistry.

Ritisha L. – Incoming Freshman, Atlanta, GA

Ritisha’s zeal for neuroscience has propelled her to champion mental health awareness. Her volunteer work ranges from providing companionship at a hospice to supporting a suicide prevention hotline. She has also shared her insights on mental health technologies through a TEDx talk. Ritisha is continuing her education at Emory University, determined to deepen her impact by conducting research and furthering the dialogue on mental health and suicide prevention. 

Gracie S. – Incoming Freshman, Perris, CA

Inspired by athletics from a young age, Gracie founded the nonprofit ‘Girls on the Mound’ to support young women navigating the male-dominated sports business industry. Gracie is a Taco Bell team member and received a once in a lifetime surprise from her sports idol Davante Adams when the wide receiver surprised her with the scholarship at his Las Vegas football camp in April. Gracie aspires to further her education in business management and marketing, while also breaking barriers for women passionate about sports.

Ethan C. – Incoming Junior, Garden Grove, CA

Ethan is a passionate storyteller studying Film Production at Chapman University. Growing up in a multicultural household, he developed a keen eye for untold stories in everyday life. From personal family documentaries to a film shedding light on racial injustice, his broad scope of work aims to share narratives other than just his own.

The Taco Bell Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity. For more information visit tacobellfoundation.org. 

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

Small businesses are the lifelines of many communities, and the U.S. Bank Foundation* has invested in nonprofit organizations providing small business support for years through its Community Possible grant program and, now, the U.S. Bank Foundation Opportunity Fund**.

“Supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses helps drive economic growth and build thriving communities, and we’re proud to support organizations that are creating access and opportunities for more people to make their business dreams a reality,” said Erica Opstad, managing director of the U.S. Bank Foundation.

The foundation recently distributed more than $6.5 million in Opportunity Fund grants to nonprofits that are helping to increase access to capital and services for entrepreneurs in low- to moderate-income communities, including rural and Native American communities and communities of color. That includes two organizations in different parts of the country, but with similar goals to boost economic development and equity within the communities they serve.

Fostering small businesses in North Dakota

Developing an ecosystem of small businesses can be difficult in rural areas, but the Red River Regional Council in northeast North Dakota recognizes the opportunities to build community connections and drive economic growth through something everyone needs – food. While many emerging “food-preneurs” often start by selling their goods from home or through farmers markets, they often need access to a commercially licensed kitchen to scale their businesses. The cost of securing that space can be a barrier.

With support from a U.S. Bank Foundation Opportunity Fund grant, the council’s Red River Community Housing Development arm is aiming to renovate an historic building called 532 Hill in Grafton, North Dakota, to become a regional innovation lab. The building will include a shared-use commercial kitchen and spaces for retailers, offices, co-working and community gatherings. The organization also plans to convene a network of small business advisors, funding partners and mentors to provide support to entrepreneurs, in addition to creating programming with input from artists, educators, foodies and others.

“We’re looking to provide a space that welcomes newcomers, celebrates diversity and creates new connections,” said Dawn Mandt, executive director of the Red River Regional Council. “The investment from the U.S. Bank Foundation affirms our vision and enables our organization to support leaders who are critical to building equitable and inclusive rural prosperity – as well as building an environment that supports people in trying new things and even failing.”

Expanding economic equity in Oregon

The Warm Springs Community Action Team (WSCAT) is a community development organization working to empower individuals and groups of people on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, in north-central Oregon, to realize their potential, become self-reliant and effect positive change for themselves, their families and their community. The organization offers programs focused on small business development, homeownership, workforce and youth development and more to about 1,000 people each year, and is building a small business incubator for tribal entrepreneurs.

The U.S. Bank Foundation Opportunity Fund grant will help WSCAT grow its small business coaching and counseling program, provide financial education and skills training for teens and young adults, and further develop its technology workforce program. WSCAT plans to utilize its small businesses, such as the Painted Pony Café and Twisted Teepee food cart, and work with local organizations, such as the Tananawit arts organization, to enhance its workforce training and mentoring opportunities. The grant also will support the American Indian Business Leaders club and financial education programs for Native youth at Madras High School, the local high school attended by tribal youth.

“Organizations like ours have to fight for every dollar to sustain our operations and to serve our community. For us to succeed, we have to be lean and mean,” said Chris Watson, executive director of Warm Springs Community Action Team. “Support like this gives us a little breathing room and enables us to provide broader, deeper services.”

*U.S. Bank Foundation is a tax-exempt private foundation described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation is funded primarily through contributions from U.S. Bank National Association and its affiliates and subsidiaries. The Foundation’s mission is to close the gaps between people and possibility in the areas of work, home, and play.

**The Opportunity Fund represents a financial commitment of the U.S. Bank Foundation; it is not a traditional equity fund, nor does it represent a form of ownership.

In a world where technology is rapidly shaping the future, access to education and training programs is crucial to expanding opportunity. Recent research by UNESCO found that women make up only 35% of STEM graduates, and this number has not changed in the past 10 years. At the same time, women are more concerned about being replaced by AI than their male colleagues, according to an IBM IBV study.

This is why, in support of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework Upskilling Initiative, in 2022 IBM pledged to train 1 million women and girls in the Asia-Pacific region over five years. As announced by the U.S. Department of Commerce today in Singapore, I’m pleased to share that our progress towards this commitment has been remarkable. Nearly 650,000 women and girls have already been empowered through IBM’s efforts to promote education, skill development, and career opportunities for women across the region.

Fostering partnerships for impact

At IBM, we know that partnerships are key to making a real difference in people’s lives, and we take a holistic approach focused on providing education and training for everyone. From India to Japan, to Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, among others, we’re collaborating with organizations across the region to increase access to technology education via IBM SkillsBuild.

To cite just a few examples:

In Japan, we’re collaborating with ReBit and empowering LGBTQ+ individuals facing employment bias through skill-building.We’re offering AI and cybersecurity education via our partnerships with Malaysia’s Penang State Education Department and Indonesia’s Ministry of Education.In the Philippines, we’re working with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to provide cybersecurity training for trainers and trainees.In India, we continue strengthening partnerships with organizations such as the Haryana State Board of Technical Education and various foundations and government bodies.

Stories of impact through IBM SkillsBuild

What inspires me most are the stories of individuals who have faced challenges and benefited from our work. People like Ashley Pojol from the Philippines, whose completion of the IBM SkillsBuild cybersecurity credential honed her problem-solving and critical thinking skills and piqued her interest in a career in cybersecurity.

In India, there’s Shilpi Pachauri, whose journey from a technology-disconnected village to a successful web developer in Indore exemplifies the impact of IBM SkillsBuild in bridging the digital divide and empowering women from economically disadvantaged communities. Also in the country, Heena Aggarwal’s story is one that shows resilience as she has worked to overcome financial constraints in pursuit of her dream of becoming an education entrepreneur with the help of IBM SkillsBuild.

Ashley, Shilpi, and Heena remind me why our work is so vital and illustrate the impact we can have when we build strategic partnerships and invest in education.

Empowering the next generation for global advancement

We’re at a pivotal moment for inspiring and equipping the next generation around the world with the resources they need for careers in technology, which can offer a unique opportunity for social and economic advancement. IBM’s pledge to empower women in the Asia-Pacific region is aligned with our commitment to create equitable impact through the expansion of opportunities for everyone. This pledge is also part of IBM’s global commitment to skill 30 million people by 2030, with over 11.5 million trained learners so far.

As the journey continues, one thing remains clear: when women are given the opportunity to thrive, entire societies prosper.

June is the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City, a tipping point of the gay rights movement in the United States. At Fifth Third, LGBTQ+ business resource groups across the Bank’s footprint are participating in activities through June to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other individuals have had on history locally, nationally and internationally.

Fifth Third’s employees are what make the Bank great. This important piece of our employee value proposition is shown through those who lead and participate in our business resource groups across the footprint, including the LGBTQ+ BRGs. We’re also proud to have recently been named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Greatest Workplaces for LGBTQ+.

The Bank’s Carolinas’ Region LGBTQ+ BRG planned this year’s Enterprise LGBTQ+ BRG virtual Pride Month celebration, which will feature Nancy Pinckney, chief human resources officer and executive advocate of the LGBTQ+ Enterprise BRG. The celebration features several guest speakers who will engage in a panel discussion.

“The Carolinas have developed strong relationships with two LGBTQ chambers of commerce that cover our market,” said Matthew Humphrey, financial center manager in Charleston, South Carolina, and co-chair of the Carolinas LGBTQ+ BRG. “In April and May, we held business expos to highlight our partnerships and one of the chambers’ leaders will join us on the call.”

Kade Kimber, president of Harmony: NC LGBT+ Allied Chamber of Commerce, will join Maigen Sullivan and Joshua Burford, co-executive directors of Invisible Histories (which focuses on advancing LGBTQ+ southern history), for a robust panel conversation.

“I think it’s valuable anytime we can share the impact that Fifth Third has in our communities,” said Wes Curry, float pool program manager in Charlotte and co-chair of the Carolinas LGBTQ+ BRG. “I’m excited to be part of the work to drive connectivity across our rapidly growing market.”

As part of Fifth Third’s relationship with the chambers, the Bank sponsored 10 students from Johnson S. Smith University and the University of North Carolina to attend the Queer Histories South Seminar in Charlotte.

“The primary purpose of the seminar is to provide networking, professional development and best practices for those working in Southern LGBTQ+ history, archives, exhibits, research and education,” Matthew said. “I’m proud to help continue the growth and education for these students.”

Wes and Matthew share their traditions and advice on celebrating Pride Month:

“Educate yourself. Watch a documentary or read a book to learn more. There is so much history out there. Take the time to learn so that you can realize and appreciate who came before us so that ‘living out loud’ is an option for us all today.”

– Wes Curry, Carolinas LGBTQ+ co-chair and float pool program manager in Charlotte.

“I plan to attend Pride activities in my area, and I encourage employees to venture out and experience what Pride looks like in your community. Work to find a common connection with members of the LGBTQ+ community to create connections and belonging. I also take the opportunity each Pride Month to volunteer for a local nonprofit that supports the LGBTQ+ community.”

– Matthew Humphry, Carolinas LGBTQ+ co-chair and financial center manager in Charleston, South Carolina.

June 10, 2024 /3BL/ – SGA (Gestión Ambiental S.A.), a leading environmental consultancy established more than 30 years ago in Chile, has been acquired by SLR, one of the world’s biggest multidisciplinary sustainability consultancy and engineering firms.

Headquartered in Santiago, SGA’s team of 170 expert consultants specialises in the mining, energy and infrastructure sectors across all regions of Chile, partnering with clients to strategically advise on complex projects that ensure environmental, social and economic viability in their transition to a low carbon economy. Some of their client partners include Aguas Andinas, Aguas Pacifico, Anglo American, BHP, Collahuasi, Codelco, Conexión, Enel, Engie, Eramet, GNL Quintero, Glencore, Interchile and SIMCO.

SLR’s growing presence and continued investment in Latin America aligns with the organisation’s global strategic priorities to expand our services to existing clients in the region, while introducing them to new services in the Advisory and Engineering space. The acquisition of SGA further strengthens the global capability of SLR, creating one of the largest, linguistic ESG strategic advisory teams in the world.

Bradley Andrews, SLR’s CEO, said, “I am delighted to welcome SGA to SLR. The team brings strong and well-established capabilities in a region where we see high potential and are actively investing in to complement and grow our existing advisory team in Santiago. SGA’s experience in mining, energy and infrastructure further complements SLR’s existing portfolio of projects across our sustainability solutions and I look forward to leveraging that combined expertise to access new markets and exploring the opportunities within the energy and financial sectors.

Jaime Solari, CEO at SGA adds, “We are thrilled to become part of SLR. Our extensive experience in leading sustainability efforts, combined with SLR’s global network and wide range of services, give us greater capabilities to partner with clients and offer exceptional strategic advice and technical expertise on projects and more.”

AEC Advisors initiated the transaction and served as exclusive financial advisor to SGA. Please visit SGA for more details on their services, client experience, team and capabilities.

HOUSTON, June 10, 2024 /3BL/ – The Baker Hughes Foundation announced Monday two grants in support of United Nations World Environment Day: a $310,000 grant to One Tree Planted and a $30,000 grant to Children’s Environmental Literacy Foundation (CELF). Both organizations share Baker Hughes’ vision of creating a more sustainable environment and society where employees live and work.

“It is paramount as a leader in the energy technology space that Baker Hughes helps the industry advance on the path to net-zero emissions and a sustainable energy future, and partnering with organizations like One Tree Planted and CELF can progress the planet towards a more sustainable environment,” said Jim Apostolides, Baker Hughes senior vice president of Enterprise Operational Excellence.

Led by the United Nations Environment Program and held annually in June since 1973, World Environment Day is the largest global platform for environmental public outreach and is celebrated by millions of people across the world. These grants support the global movement to foster climate education, biodiversity and global restoration activities.

The Foundation’s fourth grant to One Tree Planted will support 12 urban forestry projects in cities around the world, specifically in vulnerable areas. One Tree Planted’s mission is to reforest the planet, provide education and awareness around the importance of trees in the ecosystem, and inspire engagement and action. One Tree Planted has been a key enabler in the success of Baker Hughes’ commitment to environmental sustainability, recently reaching a total of 1 million trees planted across 17 countries as a result of the Foundation’s contributions.

“The Baker Hughes Foundation has been an impactful philanthropic partner in our reforestation and vital landscape restoration projects, funding 23 large-scale global initiatives to completion in three years,” said One Tree Planted President and CEO Hank Lynch. “We are grateful for their continued support and look forward to addressing critical issues of tree equity, the heat island effect, and green spaces in under-resourced neighborhoods, through their commitment to our urban forestry program.”

CELF was founded with the mission to establish sustainability as an integral part of every child’s K- 12 learning experience. The grant to CELF will support a Houston-based program partnership that engages with over 2,000 students across Title 1 schools serving Houston’s environmental justice communities through professional learning and student engagement programs. Through the multiple programs implemented, teachers and administrators will build skills for embedding environmental literacy concepts across subjects and engage with students in place-based inquiry projects, providing them with transferable workforce skills.

“Our CELF team is grateful for this renewed support from the Baker Hughes Foundation, which will enable us to further develop the energy pathway of our Civic Science: Inquiry to Action program. This support will allow us to connect more students and teachers in Greater Houston with their local green spaces, and with meaningful opportunities to investigate their energy consumption in order to identify actions they can take to improve efficiency and sustainability in their school communities,” said Tara Stafford Ocansey, CELF executive director.

The grants align with the Baker Hughes Foundation’s mission of supporting the communities where we conduct business and promoting environmental outcomes such as nature-based climate solutions and the advancement of education. The One Tree Planted donation also supports Baker Hughes’ commitment to advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – SDG 15 to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss. The CELF donation supports SDG 4 to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all and SDG 12 to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

To learn more about Baker Hughes’ work in supporting its communities, visit our Corporate Responsibility website.

About the Baker Hughes Foundation: 

For 30 years, the Baker Hughes Foundation has been a steward of charitable resources for meaningful community impact. The Foundation seeks to advance environmental quality, education, health, safety, and wellness around the world by supporting organizations with shared values, demonstrated leadership, evidence of impact, financial soundness, and the capacity to implement initiatives and evaluate their success. The Baker Hughes Foundation makes strategic philanthropic contributions, matches Baker Hughes employee contributions, and awards volunteer recognition grants for outstanding employee community service.

About Baker Hughes

Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR) is an energy technology company that provides solutions to energy and industrial customers worldwide. Built on a century of experience and conducting business in over 120 countries, our innovative technologies and services are taking energy forward – making it safer, cleaner and more efficient for people and the planet. Visit us at bakerhughes.com.

###

For more information, please contact:

Media Relations 

Adrienne M. Lynch 
+1 713-906-8407 
adrienne.lynch@bakerhughes.com

Originally published on 3M News Center

3M pledge meets Direct Relief’s entire forecasted annual need for N95 respirators

In a significant step towards bolstering emergency preparedness and response efforts, 3M and Direct Relief are launching a global Respiratory Protection initiative to increase preparedness ahead of the 2024 hurricane and wildfire season. This initiative aims to increase preparedness and ensure the availability of N95 respirators, which play a pivotal role in helping to safeguard respiratory health during disasters and fostering community relief, re-entry, recovery and resilience efforts.

As part of the joint initiative, 3M has pledged to meet Direct Relief’s entire forecasted annual need for N95 filtering facepiece respirators with a donation of 5 million units. These respirators will be utilized in Direct Relief’s global humanitarian response efforts, providing essential protection to individuals in affected regions.

N95 respirators approved by NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) can be used to help protect individuals within disaster-stricken areas. They help mitigate particulate smoke exposure during wildfires and offer assistance amid clean-up activities after floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes. Consequently, N95s constitute a cornerstone of Direct Relief’s disaster response framework.

Serving as the Official Respiratory Protection Sponsor, 3M’s N95s will be pre-stocked and strategically positioned to expedite relief operations to impacted communities, minimizing transit time. They will feature prominently within Direct Relief’s strategic emergency stockpile (SES), encompassing wildfire kits, emergency medical backpacks, hurricane preparedness packs, cholera kits, and an extensive network of U.S. safety-net clinics.

This significant new partnership between 3M and Direct Relief emerged out of an over 20-year relationship with 3M products and cash supporting Direct Relief’s global relief, recovery, and resilience efforts including responding to various emergencies worldwide, including the Turkey earthquake, Ukraine conflict, Mozambique floods, Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas, and hurricanes and severe weather events across the US.

“Direct Relief is deeply thankful and privileged to work with 3M on this historic donation that will protect frontline health and emergency responders during disasters,” said Thomas Tighe, CEO and President of Direct Relief. “During disasters that are on-going, 3M has led by example, stepping up to help protect first responders, health workers and those at risk, and is once again providing high-quality protective equipment for people enduring fires, earthquakes, and other disasters and crises.”

This initiative reinforces 3M’s unwavering dedication to supporting communities in need and builds on its long-term commitment to humanitarian relief efforts. Since 2016, 3M has contributed nearly 10 million N95 respirators and other requested products to Direct Relief for individuals in the United States and more than 80 countries.

“3M is proud to continue our partnership with Direct Relief to expand access to critical protective equipment for natural disaster preparedness,” said Chris Goralski, president of 3M Safety and Industrial. “Access to N95 respirators can make a real difference in the health and safety of first responders and others providing care and support during crises. We will work together with Direct Relief to ensure these essential supplies reach the communities that need them most.”

June 10, 2024 /3BL/ – Ceres has released new corporate guidance on transition planning to help companies address the financial risks of climate change and maximize the opportunities for them to thrive in a low-carbon future.

Ceres’ Blueprint for Implementing a Leading Climate Transition Action Plan is a first-of-its-kind resource for companies to develop and implement leading climate transition action plans or CTAPs. CTAPs outline the actions companies take across their business to achieve their sustainability goals and transition to a cleaner, more just economy. Ceres’ guidance focuses on six action areas: setting goals and science-based targets, decarbonizing the business, ensuring a just transition, advocating for public policy, supporting integration and accountability, and tracking and reporting progress.

With more companies beginning to develop initial plans in response to risk, opportunities, and regulations, there are relatively few real-world examples they can tap to apply best practices for developing and implementing CTAPs and make them a core part of strategic planning. Ceres’ report fills that gap by providing case studies of strong transition planning practices from companies including Ball Corporation, General Mills, Mars Inc, and National Grid.

“While many companies have taken the important first step of setting and disclosing their climate goals, it is just a first step,” said Laura Draucker, senior director of corporate climate action, Ceres. “Investors and other stakeholders have moved beyond merely asking for goals and want to know how companies plan to reach them and successfully manage their risk in the shift to a low-carbon economy. Without a forward-looking, near-term, and quantitative action plan that aligns with their core business strategy, companies risk falling behind their peers and losing access to crucial capital. We provide a much-needed guide for companies to realize their climate goals, remain competitive in their industries, and provide long-term shareholder value.”

The report’s release comes as countries and regions advance policies and regulations to support an accelerated transition to a low-carbon economy and as regulators, including in the U.S. and European Union, mandate the disclosure of corporate climate-related risks. At the same time, legislation and policies, like the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act and the European Union’s Green Deal, provide tremendous incentives for companies to eliminate carbon pollution from their business operations.

“With thousands of companies expected to develop their first transition plan over the next two years, Ceres’ report will be a critical resource for them as they work to develop leading plans and meet their business goals,” Draucker added. “Companies that go beyond meeting the baseline regulatory requirements of disclosure and integrate climate-related risks and opportunities into their core business strategies via transition planning can position themselves for compliance and long-term success.”

Ceres has called on companies to create transition plans as part of its Ceres’ Ambition 2030 initiative which aims to decarbonize six of the heaviest-emitting sectors of the U.S. economy: banking, electric power, food and agriculture, oil and gas, steel, and transportation. CTAPs are the lynchpin to how leading companies in those sectors translate their climate goals into action, helping propel change throughout their industries and competition among their peers.

“Levi Strauss & Co.’s sustainability strategy is based on sixteen ‘people and planet-first’ goals that illustrate our commitment to bettering the world we all share and bring to life Levi Strauss’s philosophy of profits through principles,” said Jennifer DuBuisson, Senior Director of Sustainability, Levi Strauss & Company. “This report makes the case for near-term investments that have long-term benefits while meeting companies where they are today.” 

“Dell’s sustainability goals focus our actions on climate change and the circular economy, and ensuring better outcomes for business, people, and the planet. Ceres’ guidance is an important tool that can help equip companies across the sustainability spectrum to make progress, overcome challenges, and improve over time,” said Meaghan Krohn, Lead Climate Strategist, Dell Technologies.

Ceres’ guidance aligns with disclosure frameworks published by the Transition Plan Taskforce and the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero. It goes hand in hand with the work of Ceres and its global partners to support investors as they develop and implement investor climate action plans or ICAPs. These plans detail investor action across key areas including investment, corporate engagement, policy advocacy, and investor disclosure.

“Trillium Asset Management offers strategies designed to advance humankind towards a global sustainable economy, a just society, and a better world,” said Kate Monahan, Director of Shareholder Advocacy of Trillium Asset Management. “Ceres’ report outlines action-oriented guidance for companies to do just that and will be a helpful resource for companies that seek to show leadership in these areas.”

About Ceres

Ceres is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more just, and sustainable world. United under a shared vision, our powerful networks of investors and companies are proving sustainability is the bottom line—changing markets and sectors from the inside out. For more information, visit ceres.org.

Media Contact: Reginald Zimmerman, rzimmerman@ceres.org, 617-247-0700 ext. 136

World Ocean Day, recognized each year on June 8, serves as a poignant reminder of the substantial environmental and climatic challenges that our planet currently faces. The alarming degradation of marine ecosystems—where 50% of the world’s coral reefs and 67% of mangroves have been lost, and 85% of fish stocks are under threat—highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to sustainably manage and restore our oceans. Moreover, the looming threat of rising sea levels, which could affect over 200 million people by 2100, underscores the critical need for action.

The need for immediate action is clear; World Ocean Day is using 2024 to kick off its new multi-year action theme: Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean & Climate. In response, DP World has launched its Ocean Strategy for 2024-2030, an initiative that redefines the nexus between global trade and environmental stewardship, underpinning its leadership in the emerging Sustainable Blue Economy.

Visionary Leadership in Marine Conservation

A healthy ocean with restored biodiversity underpins a stable climate, sustainable communities, and long-term economic growth. DP World’s Ocean Strategy 2024-2030 is a profound testament to the pivotal role the ocean plays in global trade and environmental sustainability. The ocean carries 90% of the world’s traded goods through marine transportation, placing it at the very heart of DP World’s operations. The ocean sustains the livelihoods of 3 billion people, contributing 2.5% of global GDP. 

Our strategy aims to execute on our vision, “A thriving ocean and stable climate supporting an equitable trade system, where nature and people flourish.” The mission is clear: “As a responsible business, we will leverage our global operations, assets and skills to actively engage in protecting and restoring the ocean, promoting good stewardship and empowering local communities for better future.”

A Strategic Blueprint for Ocean Health

DP World’s strategy is anchored in four foundational pillars:

Diverse and Resilient Ecosystems: Our goal is to restore, enhance and protect the ecosystems and biodiversity in the communities where we operate. Aiming to combat the degradation of over 60% of marine ecosystems, DP World’s strategy includes nature-based and regenerative projects focused on coastal blue carbon ecosystems. Key targets include the development of a Coastal Blue Carbon Ecosystems Strategy by 2025 and the restoration of 280 hectares of mangroves in three priority nations by 2030, alongside initiatives to preserve biodiversity through living shorelines, seawalls, and biogenic reefs.Healthy Waters: Plastic is overwhelming our oceans, comprising 85% of marine waste. Our goal is to implement comprehensive waste management practices to eliminate single-use plastics from our office environments by 2030, and eliminate them from across all our operations by 2035.Blue Science, Innovation & Leadership: This pillar focuses on enhancing capacity for ocean-climate action through the creation of knowledge hubs and citizen science programs by 2025. These initiatives aim to foster inclusive community participation in data collection and ecosystem monitoring – e.g., waste collection, water quality, observations of threatened marine life, restoration outcomes, etc. – to enhance scientific understanding and conservation efforts.Blue Finance: DP World plans to develop sustainable financing models that support maritime ecosystem protection and restoration. By 2025, the company aims to establish a portfolio of investable projects and a financial framework that bolsters practices conducive to a sustainable maritime industry.

Global Commitments and Local Impact

The Ocean Strategy is integral to DP World’s broader “Our World, Our Future” sustainability framework, aligning with global initiatives such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Sustainable Ocean Principles. It emphasizes locally adapted solutions, enabling DP World’s entities, especially ports and terminals, to implement tailored strategies that address specific local challenges and opportunities.

Empowering Communities and Raising Standards

Central to the strategy is DP World’s commitment to community engagement and empowerment, aiming to forge robust partnerships with local governments, NGOs, and research bodies. The company is also dedicated to establishing new industry standards for sustainable ports worldwide, thus influencing broader industry practices.

Conclusion

DP World’s Ocean Strategy 2024-2030 is a bold integration of sustainability with global trade logistics, setting new benchmarks for environmental stewardship within the maritime industry. By aligning its business operations with ecological conservation and community empowerment, DP World is steering the global trade sector towards a more sustainable and equitable future. This strategic blueprint not only signifies a pathway for business growth but also serves as a fundamental framework for securing a healthier planet for future generations.

###