Originally published by Business Insider
There’s a saying now that everyone is repeating: AI is not going to take your job, but somebody with AI skills will. So we want to make sure we’re bringing those AI skills to our learners so that they can be successful in these tech jobs.
Every industry is going to be revolutionized with AI; it’s a useful innovation. We want to make sure that people can take advantage of those jobs, and that helps worker well-being.
Continue reading here.
The world’s best men’s professional golfers are amid a run at the PGA TOUR’s Ultimate Prize, with the FedExCup Playoffs beginning last week and taking place across three different cities.
But the FedExCup Playoffs aren’t just about golf. They’re also about giving back to the communities that host them. Thanks to a collaboration between FedEx and One Tree Planted, the three cities hosting the Playoffs – Memphis, Denver, and Atlanta – will soon be greener.
FedEx is committed to environmental sustainability and has been working with One Tree Planted to plant trees in areas that need them most. These trees will help to improve air quality, reduce heat, and create healthier, more livable communities.
“As a founding member of One Tree Planted’s Urban Forestry Fund, FedEx is excited to contribute to a better tomorrow by planting trees in Memphis, Denver, and Atlanta,” said April Britt, Director of Global Citizenship at FedEx.
The trees will be planted in parks, along roadways, and in school yards. In Memphis and Denver, the focus will be on increasing shade for pedestrians in public parks. In Atlanta, fruit-producing trees will be planted in neighborhoods with food deserts.
“It is inspiring to leave a legacy behind during the 2024 FedExCup Playoffs in all three markets by increasing tree canopy and reducing heat in urban areas,” said Brazos Barber, Director of Sustainability at the PGA TOUR.
Beyond the FedExCup Playoffs, FedEx will also deliver 60 tree planting and conservation projects across six continents this next year.
Jonathan Mason, Director of Urban Forestry for One Tree Planted, noted, “City life comes with a lot of environmental challenges…To address this, we’re working with companies like FedEx and the PGA TOUR to plant more trees in urban areas, helping fight climate change and make cities better places to live.
To learn more about this initiative, go to FedExCup Playoffs help provide better tomorrow thanks to FedEx, One Tree Planted – PGA TOUR.
Mental health crises are often invisible, but in times of conflict, they’re almost always there. War and violence turn lives upside down, leading to displacement, loss of livelihoods, trauma, and the grief that soon follows.
In America, it can be hard to imagine constant conflict. But around the world, conflict is on the rise. Citizens may be subjected to violence, sexual abuse, and injuries; many have their farms burned and their homes looted, their water systems destroyed, their markets bombed, and their hospitals attacked.
In America, it can be hard to imagine constant conflict. But around the world, conflict is on the rise. Citizens may be subjected to violence, sexual abuse, and injuries; many have their farms burned and their homes looted, their water systems destroyed, their markets bombed, and their hospitals attacked.
Although conflict is obvious to the human eye, the mental health crisis often isn’t — and it’s an emergency that can carry on for decades after the conflict ends. That’s why Action Against Hunger provides support in some of the world’s most dangerous environments, ensuring that future generations feel safe, supported, and healed from past trauma. Our psychosocial interventions offer a holistic approach during humanitarian crises to address both psychological and social needs, at both the individual and community levels. In crisis situations, psychosocial impacts can include social breakdown, an increase in gender-based violence, psychological distress, mental health issues, and individual difficulties conducting daily activities.
A vicious cycle
Conflict is the primary driver of hunger. When people can’t access enough food, they often become depressed, tired, or anxious. Food insecurity also impacts physical well-being and can cause psychological or developmental challenges. When their mental health is impacted, individuals often don’t have the energy or resources to feed themselves or their families. It can become harder for people to earn money, engage in social activities, or maintain a job.
The vicious cycle is only exacerbated when their communities are struck with shells and missiles. Those who are forced to leave— like the 120 million people forcibly displaced— end up with nothing and must start their lives over from scratch.
Conflict, hunger, and mental health crises are closely intertwined. Action Against Hunger is working in Gaza, Sudan, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and beyond to help people survive and rebuild their lives.
Here are some ways our teams confront mental health crises:
Distress in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Elisabetta Dozio supervises mental health and psychosocial support for our programs in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She frequently visits North Kivu and sees the crisis firsthand.
Here, fighting between armed groups and the Congolese army has already displaced 2.7 million people.
“I am used to going to camps [for internally displaced people], but this experience was very violent,” said Dozio. “I haven’t seen anything like it for a long time. Living conditions are unbearable. People are living in makeshift shelters, many of them in very small spaces.”
Dozio was distressed upon hearing the testimonials of people living there. Some even expressed thoughts of suicide. One person said, “I’m alone, the only solution is to die.”
Another said, “We’d rather go back under the bombs than die of cholera or hunger.”
Most of the people living there have been victims of traumatic events, said Dozio. The living conditions are poor. “When it rains, the ground gets muddy and the tarpaulins get damaged and torn. Conditions are very unhealthy, with very limited access to drinking water. Food distributions are inadequate, and people are going hungry. The humanitarian response is not meeting needs.”
In 2022, Action Against Hunger started implementing increased mental health support for people in North Kivu. Dozio and psychosocial workers partnered to ensure that the sessions could address the needs of the displaced people.
It can be difficult to confront and treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) while the crisis is ongoing, both in the camp on its outskirts. Action Against Hunger’s intervention, called Emotional Stabilization Protocol, provides tools for managing anxiety, intrusive thoughts and nightmares. It helps people in distress to regain a sense of security and emotional stability that can encourage them to focus on what they can control.
“It is normal to have nightmares, but these men and women need to be given the opportunity to take control of what is happening to them,” said Dozio. In the flood of emotions, sometimes a positive thought comes to mind. “Some see their village in their thoughts, and they see it rebuilt. For a moment they are soothed, and they don’t want to go back to reality.”
During these sessions, children are divided into age groups and take part in breathing and relaxation exercises. Dozio is especially worried about them.
“What will become of these children?” she asked. “How can we hope to limit the circle of repetition of violence when we live like this?”
Children are included in the Emotional Stabilization Protocol from an early age: some babies are just a few months old. Particular attention is also paid to pregnant and breast-feeding women, to limit the transmission of stress from mother to child.
Trauma in Eastern Ukraine
The war in Ukraine has left 14.6 million people in need — but it’s children who pay the highest price. Since the start of the invasion in February 2022, more than half of all Ukrainian children have been displaced and 2,200 have been killed or wounded. The upsurge in hostilities, particularly in East Ukraine, is endangering both the lives and mental health of children.
On July 8, 2024, Russian missiles struck a children’s hospital in Kyiv. The attack left dozens dead and wounded, including several children. This is only one example of the violence that children have faced since the war began.
Displacement, a precarious economic situation, incessant bombardments, the loss of loved ones, and the disruption of education and health systems have had devastating effects on the cognitive development and mental health of Ukrainian children. According to a UNICEF survey, half of young people aged 13 to 15 suffer from sleep disorders, and three-quarters of children and young people aged 14 to 34 said they needed emotional or psychological support.
“Every airborne alarm exacerbates children’s anxiety and loss of learning,” said Yuliia Dikalova, Deputy Manager of Action Against Hunger’s mental health and psychosocial support programs in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city. Many people have been displaced to Kharkiv, but even here, strikes on densely populated areas are increasing. Since May, Action Against Hunger has increased its response and reached over 1,500 children with programs aimed at psychosocial and psychological support.
Yuliia fears for the future of Ukrainian children: “40% of Ukrainian children no longer have access to formal education due to the security situation or the destruction of educational infrastructure. Online education is regularly disrupted by power cuts caused by bombardments. The traumas caused by the war will have far-reaching, long-term repercussions.”
Seated between teddy bears and heart-shaped pink balloons, a dozen children and teenagers attend weekly psychological and psychosocial support sessions led by Marina Nechaieva, a psychologist with Action Against Hunger in the Kharkiv region. In the last few months, Marina has worked to help children feel stabilized and safe amidst their distressing environments.
“These children often come from the Donbass region or from areas close to the front line. This means they left under bombardment, having been injured or having lost a loved one,” said Marina. “Many show signs of anxiety and depression. Each session incorporates drawings or games and techniques to soothe them. I strive to create a relationship of trust with the children and invite them to reflect on their lives before, their fears, the changes they have faced, but also to project themselves into the future.”
Sixteen-year-old Anastasia took part in Action Against Hunger’s psychological and psychosocial support sessions at a children’s rehabilitation center in Kharkiv. She’s originally from Luhansk but was forced to leave due to the conflict. She left in the hopes of finding safety, but she was instead met with an uncertain future.
Anastasia arrived in Kharkiv during the first months of the full-scale invasion. Despite the crisis conditions, she feels supported by Action Against Hunger’s psychosocial support groups.
“I found the sessions very helpful,” she said. “I had some difficulties when I was a bit upset and didn’t want to answer, but after the discussion, I felt better and it was easier to share how I felt. My self-esteem also improved.”
Today, Anastasia is more interested in actively sharing her experiences and opinions. Even amid the ongoing war, Anastasia finds herself dreaming of her future. “I want to graduate from university and become a student at the police academy,” she said.
The longer the conflict goes on, the greater the burden on Ukrainian children. There’s no end in sight. Humanitarian aid — and ample funding — is essential to support children like Anastasia in the days to follow.
Action Against Hunger in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ukraine
Action Against Hunger is committed to providing lifesaving assistance in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), including nutrition and medical care, water, hygiene, sanitation and psychosocial support. We have worked in DRC since 1997 and has programs across North Kivu and displacement sites in Goma.
In Ukraine, Action Against Hunger works with the most vulnerable people both directly and through Ukrainian partners. From the start of our intervention in March 2022 to February 2024, we have helped nearly 960,000 individuals through programs aimed at improving mental health support, food security, hygiene, nutrition and more.
For more about our work on mental health programs, click here.
About Action Against Hunger
Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 21 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 59 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.
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Written by Ana-lina Thoueille, Kenneal Patterson and Inès Olhagaray
NEW ORLEANS, September 19, 2024 /3BL/ – With soaring high temperatures this summer, Entergy donated $3 million to help its low-income customers become more energy efficient and save money on their energy bills. Through Entergy’s “Beat the Heat” program, customers received bill payment assistance, fans, energy efficiency kits, home weatherization and invaluable support from local community partners. The company also launched Single Stop, a free program that helps households in need access financial assistance and more.
“We are deeply committed to empowering our customers, especially during challenging times like the summer heat,” said Patty Riddlebarger, Entergy’s vice president of corporate social responsibility. “Through our ‘Beat the Heat’ program and our partnerships with local organizations, we’re helping our neighbors stay safe, cool and reduce their energy expenses. We’re proud to provide ongoing support to those who need it most in the communities we serve.”
For 23 years, Entergy has partnered with local organizations across Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas to ease the burden of hot summer temperatures resulting in increased usage and higher energy costs for our most vulnerable customers. Year after year, this collaborative program provides customers with energy bill assistance, tools and resources, and support during the critical summer months. Through this program the company:
Donated more than $2.8 million in funds from Entergy shareholders, employees and customers to The Power to Care program, which provides energy bill assistance to older adults and customers with disabilities.
Provided 3 million customers with free access to Single Stop, an online resource that connects households in need with financial assistance and more. More than 8,000 Entergy customers completed the Single Stop screening, which identified more than $61 million in potential financial aid and other resources.
Awarded more than $83,250 in grants to vulnerable customers to provide free resources like electric fans and home weatherization kits.
Donated $25,000 to local organizations that weatherized homes for customers in need.
Held Entergy Navigators fairs in underserved communities, providing customers with assistance and resources to help manage their bills, energy efficiency kits, pro bono legal aid, Kids to College savings accounts and more.
Provided more than 3,900 free electric fans to help customers beat high temperatures and save on electricity bills throughout the summer.
Distributed over 900 energy efficiency kits to customers. The kits included money-saving LED lightbulbs, advanced power strips, bathroom faucet aerators and V-seal weather-stripping.
Over 200 low-income homes were weatherproofed during neighborhood sweeps that were held in select, underserved communities.
Savings programs and bill help
Entergy offers several energy efficiency and bill help programs, including:
Our newly launched Bill Toolkit website connects customers to bill management, energy efficiency and financial assistance resources. This new resource helps customers explore simple ways they can lower their electricity use and costs.
The Power to Care program provides emergency bill payment help to older adults and customers with disabilities.
Our partnership with Single Stop helps build pathways out of poverty by connecting our customers to available resources in a one-stop site. Single Stop makes it easy for customers to check if they qualify for financial assistance and connects them with opportunities for education, counseling, training and support.
myAdvisor lets customers track their energy usage and alerts them on how much power they use each day.
Level Billing allows customers to “level out” spikes in seasonal energy use, making their energy bills more consistent every month.
Payment arrangements for customers needing flexibility with paying their energy bill.
Entergy is dedicated to ensuring all customers have access to the resources and support they need to stay safe and comfortable year-round. To learn more about our customer assistance programs, visit billtoolkit.entergy.com.
About Entergy
Entergy (NYSE: ETR) is a Fortune 500 company that powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at entergy.com and connect with @Entergy on social media. #WePowerLife
Starting every May, people who work at Viatris’ facility in Komárom, Hungary, are serenaded by a chorus of chirping sounds from above while walking from the car park to the building. These familiar sounds signal the annual return of the site’s winged residents, the birds.
Home to a vibrant and diverse birdlife, the Komárom site is near the Danube River and encompasses an undisturbed area of about 4 hectares (about 9.8 acres). The sandy grassland is interspersed with clumps of trees and intermittent waterlogged areas, making the land a paradise for many species of birds and insects.
In addition to packaging operations, Viatris’ Komárom site is also home to the European Center of Excellence, the company’s largest Quality organization in the region. The location has a long history of commitment to advancing sustainability.
This year, the site’s lush space gained new enhancements when Viatris partnered with the Hungarian Ornithological Society to join its Bird-Friendly Workplace Program. The idea was first suggested by Róbert Klinga, a Quality Control Support Manager at the site, who has been a bird lover since childhood. Growing up on the edge of a forest, watching and later photographing birds became one of his favorite pastimes. His hope is that the initiative will make a positive impact on many colleagues’ interest in nature conservation.
“We are working in an industrial environment where it is particularly important to manage well the natural assets that surround us. At Viatris in Komárom, we do our part to contribute to Viatris’ deep commitment to sustainability and reducing our environmental impact,” Róbert said. (Click here to see video of the site.)
The bird-friendly workplace idea was fully supported by both Raymond Keeling, the former site head, and Mihály Régi, the current site manager. During the preparation and planning phases it became clear that the employee population in Komárom includes several bird lovers, amateur ornithologists, bird photographers and keen conservationists.
In February 2024, the Viatris Komárom team, in collaboration with the Hundred Valley Nature Conservation Society – the local branch of the Hungarian Ornithological Society — installed 50 bird houses of various types in the area, helping the species already living there to breed and new species to settle in. About 40 different bird species are expected to find a home in this green oasis.
As part of the program, the bird houses will be regularly monitored by experts, with Viatris colleagues joining in. In addition, a breeding wall was established in the spring which has already been taken over by several pairs of birds.
To raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity in providing a sustainable future, the Komárom site organized a Bird-Friendly Family Day for employees at the end of June. About 80 participants took part in bird ringing, burrow checks and a five-station tour where they could solve activities related to environmental protection and knowledge of plants and animals at each station.
“Every day we see the colorful bird life that surrounds us here,” said Róbert. “Preserving and trying to enhance the biodiversity of our green area is a worthy initiative not only for our site, but for Viatris as a whole.”
For more detail about the company’s efforts to advance responsible practices and operations, read Building Sustainable Access at Scale.Connecting People With Medicines, Around the WorldIn Business, as in Life, Success is Powered by Authenticity
Ted Tanner, Executive Vice President of Real Estate Development, AEG, has recently been named to Sports Business Journal’s (SBJ) Power Players list, recognizing his influence and leadership in shaping the landscape of sports and entertainment venues across the globe.
With over 26 years of experience at AEG, Tanner has played a critical role in the design, development and management of world-class venues such as L.A. LIVE, Dignity Health Sports Park, The O2 London and Uber Platz Berlin. His leadership has significantly contributed to the transformation of cities into world class sports and entertainment destinations.
Tanner’s inclusion in this year’s list highlights his visionary approach, focusing on sustainability, fan experience and community impact. His work not only enhances the venues where the world’s biggest events take place but also drives urban revitalization and economic development in the surrounding areas, creating long-lasting benefits for local communities.
The Power Players List, compiled by Sports Business Journal, honors top executives in the sports industry who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. To learn more about SBJ’s Power Players, please click here.
Our purpose is what unites us at Henkel North America: Pioneers at heart for the good of generations. Our pioneering spirit is reflective of the diverse backgrounds, experiences and talents of our employees and partners. They dare to make an impact on the world by collaborating to tackle challenges, find solutions and open new perspectives.
Their contributions allow us to deliver products, services and innovations that enrich and improve everyday life. We invite you to “meet” our pioneers in our series, “Pioneers for Good.”
Introducing Guillermo
As Senior Communications Manager for Joico – one of Henkel’s professional haircare brands – Guillermo’s impact expands beyond his day-to-day responsibilities of guiding creative strategy for digital marketing and communications.
What Guillermo brings to his work is a deep passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and understanding of the importance of integrating sustainability. He has become a leading voice within Henkel’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), an advocate for embracing sustainable practices, and a mentor for the next generation.
Making a Difference Through Leadership
At Henkel, ERGs help create a culture that values and elevates different perspectives and backgrounds. Guillermo volunteers his time to build a strong network and promote leadership development. He co-founded ¡Unidos!, the Latinx/Hispanic ERG, and is an active member of the PRIDE ERG.
Just being exposed to those conversations and topics on a regular basis helps me keep diversity in my paradigm of thinking, and I’ll bring it back to my work, whether it’s a fully fleshed-out idea or just a kernel.
Guillermo Güereque, Senior Communications Manager, Joico
Guillermo understands how sharing his own experiences can support others. It’s why he represents the company at recruitment events like the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers’ (SHPE) National Convention and the Reaching Out MBA (ROMBA) Conference where he’s connecting with Hispanic STEM students and LGBTQ+ business students, encouraging them in their own professional journeys.
The first time I went to SHPE,” he says, “I was emotionally impacted. I had never seen so many people like me in a room like that. We need to see representation of others like us at all levels.”
Laying the Groundwork for Diverse Representation
Guillermo’s work is an extension of his commitment to DEI and multicultural representation, drawing inspiration from his own diverse background. “I was born in Mexico and raised in Southern California from age four. I think the duality of those cultures has influenced a lot of my decisions.”
Culture and inclusion are at the heart of Guillermo’s work to ensure Joico’s brand content and messaging – as well as the models and artists the brand hires – represent the diversity of the consumers who use their products.
He has engaged Henkel interns in an annual audit process that analyzes the company’s social media presence and seeks ways to constantly optimize content for representation, diversity, and inclusivity. These audits have grown tremendously, from reviews of Joico’s Instagram page to full assessments of the brand’s online presence. It is just one example of Guillermo’s impact – not only for the brand, but also for the interns who learn the value of representation.
Empowering the Next Generation
Guillermo believes in empowering the next generation and has helped bring the Henkel Researchers’ World curriculum to life for students attending events like STEM Day at Henkel.
When you invite students to learn about what we do, you encourage them to ask more and to think, ‘maybe I want to do that.’ That can be very powerful in expanding their possibilities.
Guillermo Güereque, Senior Communications Manager, Joico
Guillermo’s family has been a particular inspiration for him – especially his sister, who opened his eyes to wider possibilities for the future. He has watched her excel in aerospace engineering, a male-dominated field, which helped transform his own perception of being a leader.
“My sister did not have an example in her industry – she was one of only three women in her graduating class, and the only Latina. Had she not gone on to graduate school, would I have seen myself doing the same?” It’s questions like these that have driven Guillermo in his own career and to be a role model to others.
He is an advocate for early-in-career colleagues at Henkel, who he encourages to get involved in ERGs to find community and unique leadership opportunities. “Putting yourself out there can help you build your network, pull you out of your comfort zone, and open doors by introducing you to new tools and experiences that can impact your career in the long term.”
Embodying a Pioneer’s Spirit
Throughout his work, Guillermo has found endless opportunities to be a pioneer for good. He understands the voices we bring to the table and the choices we make contribute to innovating for the future. In addition to being an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, he serves as Regional Sustainability Manager for the professional haircare business and sits on the company’s Evergreen Council – a cross-functional team exploring how Henkel Consumer Brands can track progress and achieve Henkel’s sustainability goals.
“Sustainable business practices have been at the heart of our culture for decades.” he says of Henkel, “We continue to lead in sustainability. Those aren’t just words – they really are the focus of the company, and we all have a part in that.”
When asked what it means to be a Pioneer for Good, Guillermo reflects on the importance of understanding your power and impact as a leader. “We know our decisions don’t only affect the here and now – they will carry into the next generation and beyond.”
Joshua Parish knows the tragedy that can befall Veterans who don’t get the help they need.
His cousin, a Vietnam War Veteran, was never able to adjust to life back home. More than 50 years later, he struggles with alcoholism.
Parish hopes Battle Buddy, a new app launching in September, will connect Michigan Veterans like his cousin with services and benefits, helping guide them to healthy, fulfilling civilian lives.
“Veterans don’t like to ask for help,” the Iraq vet explains. “A large majority of Veterans struggle with a loss of sense of purpose and a loss of sense of identity. But navigating the benefit process is really difficult. We created Battle Buddy to help automate services and bring resources to the Veteran.”
Battle Buddy is an extension of the services provided through VETLIFE, the Michigan-based non-profit Parish and his wife founded in 2018, after he returned from serving in Iraq. From day one, the organization has helped connect Veterans with the support, services and benefits that can help them readjust to civilian life.
The Battle Buddy app is designed as a chatbot that asks the Veteran questions about where they live and where they served and then helps connect them with services and benefits they’re eligible for. It has been specifically designed for Michigan vets, but Parish hopes to expand it across the United States.
Feedback on the beta version is “phenomenal. Veterans don’t like to talk about their feelings to another person, but now, you’re just talking to an automated chat bot,” Parish notes. “Veterans are telling me they feel more at ease, and they’re more open to gaining access to their benefits because they don’t feel judged.”
Enbridge has been a VETLIFE supporter since the organization’s early days. Last year, we awarded the non-profit $12,000 in Fueling Futures grants to help put on Vet Fest, an annual event that attracts 4,000 Veterans and helps celebrate their service and get them connected to support.
This year, we were proud to contribute $27,000 to help develop Battle Buddy and improve life for Veterans in Michigan. We believe taking care of Veterans is essential for a safe and vibrant community.
The app will serve an important secondary function—to collect data on Native American Veterans.
“Ninety per cent of able-bodied Native American males have served in the military,” Parish says.
Statistics on Tribal Veterans in Michigan, though, are wildly inaccurate — potentially as far off as 20,000 people, he adds. Further, the percentage of Native American Veterans who are not accessing their military benefits is higher than any other demographic group.
“What I’m trying to do with this app is gain a better understanding of how many Tribal Veterans are currently living in Michigan or are currently enrolled in a federally recognized Tribe,” explains Parish, who grew up on a reservation in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
The app’s focus on helping Indigenous people aligns with Enbridge’s Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan and shows a commitment to strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities and advancing reconciliation.
“Veterans volunteered for a higher calling to serve their country and to preserve our freedom. I believe we owe them personally a debt of gratitude,” Parish says. “If somebody volunteers for a job that less than 1% of the population has volunteered to do, and they honorably served their country, they should be taken care of when they come home.
“By providing access to these benefits, we are improving the quality of life of the Veterans.”
Originally published in International Paper’s 2023 Sustainability Report
Climate change is disrupting society and business today. As we face physical and transition risks now and in the years ahead, identifying these risks and opportunities for our company and the communities where we operate is key. We’re working to better understand these risks and determine the best way to monitor, measure and address them. As one of the first North American pulp and paper companies to have an approved Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) target, we continue to use the SBTi-approved methodology to inform the strategies we need to implement.
Our reporting also follows the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), a framework for companies to analyze and report on climate-related risks, and to inform investors on exposure to financial risks related to climate change. We additionally respond to Climate Disclosure Project’s (CDP) Climate Change, Forest and Water Security questionnaires to transparently disclose our risks and opportunities in those core areas of sustainability.
Our latest TCFD Report maps out our climate-related risks and opportunities as well as the corresponding mitigation and adaptation strategies. As a leading producer of renewable fiber-based products, we see significant opportunities in the growing low-carbon circular economy. However, we are already experiencing weather-related impacts exacerbated by climate change. We believe that we are more likely to experience an increase in acute, rather than chronic, impacts related to extreme weather and water scarcity during this decade. We continue to refine our climate scenario analyses to plan effectively and communicate transparently to our stakeholders.
Learn more in this report’s Sustainable Operations section and our Climate Change Statement.
About International Paper
International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global producer of sustainable packaging, pulp and other fiber-based products, and one of the world’s largest recyclers. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 39,000 colleagues globally who are committed to creating what’s next. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2023 were $18.9 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper.com/.
About International Paper – EMEA
In Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA), International Paper focuses on the production and marketing of fiber-based packaging and specialty pulp, employing approximately 4,400 people. As a leading supplier of high-quality corrugated containers for a multitude of applications, we serve customers throughout the region from our network of two recycled containerboard mills and 23 box plants in France, Italy, Morocco, Portugal and Spain. Specialty pulp is made in Gdansk, Poland. Other products available from International Paper in the region include a variety of Kraft linerboard and other pulp products.
Originally published in Mary Kay’s 2024 Sustainability Report
FOREST STEWARDSHIP AT MARY KAY
Mary Kay celebrated International Day of Forests by highlighting its certification from the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®). The certification applies to Mary Kay’s Print and Digital Imaging Center in North Texas (FSC® C181627).
Mary Kay has a commitment to support responsible forestry by using certified sustainable paper sources for paper inserts, distribution cases and shipping boxes.30%: Current rate of postconsumer recycled paper content for product paper inserts printed at the Mary Kay Print Center.
DID YOU KNOW?
The FSC® certification stands for sustainable sourcing that puts forests and people first and ensures products come from responsibly managed forests.
1.4 MILLION TREES PLANTED GLOBALLY
Through our partnership with The Arbor Day Foundation, Mary Kay is making a positive environmental impact in ecosystems where we operate around the world using reforestation and urban forestry to solve issues of climate change, community, and biodiversity. The Arbor Day Foundation is the world’s largest member nonprofit dedicated to planting trees.
THE ARBOR DAY PARTNERSHIP BY THE NUMBERS
16 years planting together30+ reforestation projects across nine countries, providing valuable resources and ecosystem service1.4 million+ trees in the ground100, 000 trees planted in 2023 in Spain, Mexico and in the U.S., in Georgia and California, with a focus on areas of critical needs
CONSERVATION AWARD
In 2023, Mary Kay received an award for “Leadership in Conservation and Sustainability” by Texan by Nature, founded by former First Lady, Laura Bush. TxN 20 recognizes Texas’ publicly traded and private companies from 12 industry sectors that have made a demonstrative commitment to conservation.
