Verizon commits $1 million to We Mean Business coalition to help scale climate action
September 24 2020 - 8:18AM
Today, Verizon announced a $1 million grant to We Mean Business, a
global coalition of nonprofit organizations working with the
world’s most influential businesses to take action on climate
change. The funding will help the We Mean Business coalition to
provide one million small and medium sized businesses (SMEs)
globally with tech-enabled carbon footprint quantification tools
and the necessary education to enable a 50% reduction of their
carbon emissions by 2030--with the goal to become net zero before
2050. This initiative underscores Citizen Verizon, the company’s
responsible business plan for economic, environmental and social
advancement.“Small and medium businesses account for the majority
of businesses worldwide, giving them a unique opportunity to enact
significant impact on climate change,” said Rose Stuckey Kirk,
Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer at Verizon. “Through
Citizen Verizon, we are committed to helping these businesses
thrive, especially those with minority ownership, and providing the
tools to have a long-lasting impact on their sustainability
efforts.”A portion of the funds will help to support climate
curricula and online emissions assessment tools, online classes,
and coaching for 10,000 SMEs ready to move to climate
implementation.“Mobilizing SMEs to cut emissions is critical to
addressing the climate crisis,” said María Mendiluce, CEO of We
Mean Business. “For major corporations to deliver on their climate
commitments they need to work with suppliers to reduce emissions at
pace. We are delighted to be partnering with Verizon to provide
tools and resources for SMEs to get started on their journey to
net-zero through the SME Climate Hub; a new initiative launched
this week, with support from Amazon, by the International Chamber
of Commerce (ICC), the Exponential Roadmap Initiative, Race to Zero
and the We Mean Business coalition.”Verizon’s own sustainability
goals are to source or generate renewable energy equivalent to 50%
of its total annual electricity consumption by 2025 and be carbon
neutral in its operations by 2035. Earlier this year, the company
joined The Climate Pledge - a commitment co-founded by Amazon and
Global Optimism to meet the Paris Agreement 10 years early.“We
congratulate Verizon on the announcement of their support for the
We Mean Business coalition,” said Kara Hurst, VP, Sustainability,
Amazon. “Through this very generous contribution, the We Mean
Business coalition can continue to deepen its commitment to
mobilize global supply chains, including small and medium
enterprises, to take and scale-up measurable and direct action on
climate change.”Verizon is also supporting the transition to a
greener grid by making substantial investments in renewable energy.
The company recently announced the pricing of its second $1 billion
Green Bond offering, with net proceeds being used primarily for
long-term renewable energy purchase agreements, which support the
construction of solar and wind facilities that will bring new
renewable energy to the grids that power its networks.As a leading
technology company, Verizon is committed to integrating the United
Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- SDG4: Quality education
- SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy
- SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth
- SDG 13: Climate action and
- SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions.
To learn more about how Verizon is helping to deliver on its
mission to move the world forward, visit:
verizon.com/citizenverizon.
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on
June 30, 2000 and is celebrating its 20th year as one of the
world’s leading providers of technology, communications,
information and entertainment products and services. Headquartered
in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon
generated revenues of $131.9 billion in 2019. The company offers
data, video and voice services and solutions on its award-winning
networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for
mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.
About the We Mean Business coalition:We Mean
Business is a global coalition of nonprofit organizations working
with the world's most influential businesses to take action on
climate change. The coalition brings together seven organizations:
BSR, CDP, Ceres, The B Team, The Climate Group, The Prince of
Wales's Corporate Leaders Group and the World Business Council for
Sustainable Development. Together we catalyze business action to
drive policy ambition and accelerate the transition to a
zero-carbon economy. Find out more at:
wemeanbusinesscoaltion.org.
VERIZON’S ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media
contacts and other resources are available at
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Media contact: Bernadette
Brijlallbernadette.brijlall@verizon.com
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