Apple is making significant strides towards its ambitious climate goals, according to its latest Environmental Progress Report. The company has announced that it has surpassed a 60 percent reduction in its global greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2015 levels. This achievement marks a major milestone in Apple's commitment to becoming carbon neutral across its entire value chain by 2030. The reduction in emissions is not just a number; it represents a tangible effort to minimize Apple's environmental impact. Last year alone, the company's planet-heating pollution shrank by 800,000 metric tons compared to 2023, a decrease of approximately 5 percent. This progress is particularly noteworthy as other tech companies grapple with rising emissions due to the energy demands of artificial intelligence development. Procuring renewable energy, designing more sustainable products, and pushing its suppliers to adopt eco-friendly practices are the cornerstones of Apple's climate strategy. The company reports that its suppliers avoided nearly 24 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions last year through renewable energy purchases and improvements in energy efficiency. This collaborative approach is crucial, as a significant portion of Apple's carbon footprint lies within its supply chain. Beyond carbon dioxide, Apple is also tackling fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-GHGs), potent pollutants emitted during the manufacturing of semiconductors and flat-panel displays. All of Apple's direct display suppliers have committed to abating at least 90 percent of F-GHGs from facilities used for Apple products. Twenty-six of Apple’s direct semiconductor suppliers have made the same commitment, demonstrating a widespread effort to clean up the production process. Apple is also increasing its use of recycled materials. Nearly a quarter of the materials shipped in Apple products last year were recycled. Impressively, over 80 percent of the rare earth elements used in Apple products, primarily in magnets, came from recycled sources in 2024, compared to 75 percent the previous year. Significant portions of tungsten, aluminum, lithium, gold, and cobalt in its products also came from recycled sources, showcasing a commitment to resource circularity. While Apple has made considerable progress, it still produced 15.3 million metric tons of gross carbon dioxide emissions in 2024. The company is committed to further reducing its carbon footprint, aiming to slash its carbon emissions by 75 percent compared to 2015 levels by 2030. The ultimate goal is to eliminate 90 percent of its pollution by 2050, aligning with the Paris Agreement's objective of limiting global warming. To further promote recycling, Apple is offering a 10 percent discount on accessories to customers who bring an eligible item to one of its stores for recycling until May 16. This initiative encourages consumers to participate in the company's environmental efforts. Apple's commitment extends beyond emissions reductions to encompass water conservation and waste management. The company and its suppliers have saved over 90 billion gallons of fresh water since launching the Supplier Clean Water Program in 2013. Additionally, Apple's Zero Waste program has diverted millions of metric tons of waste from landfills. Apple's holistic approach to environmental sustainability, encompassing emissions, materials, waste, and water, sets a high standard for the tech industry. By focusing on direct emissions reductions, supply chain transformation, and product innovation, Apple is demonstrating that significant progress toward a carbon-neutral future is achievable.
