I’m director of sustainability at Ford, and COP28 showed me two ways the company is driving its green transformation

Here are my key takeaways from this year’s UN climate conference, and the steps I think businesses must take to achieve these sustainability goals.

Businesses must clean up their facilities and supply chains to drive green transition

We face a hard truth: The world’s current climate trajectory is warming 2.5 degrees Celsius to 2.9 degrees Celsius This century is inconsistent with the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement. Reversing this trend will require innovation, effort, investment and global collaboration at an unprecedented pace and scale.

One of the highlights of COP28 is Nearly 200 government commitments Triple global renewable energy capacity and reduce methane emissions by 2030. It’s an ambitious goal and one that Ford is committed to in our operations, as we plan to use 100% carbon-free electricity at all of our manufacturing facilities by 2035.

But companies also need to look beyond their facilities and address supply chain impacts.this Forerunner Alliance This is a great example of the collaboration needed. Ford is part of this global initiative that leverages the purchasing power and supply chains of major companies in heavy-emission industries to create early markets for innovative clean energy technologies like mild steel and aluminum. More such initiatives could go a long way toward funding green innovation.

Governments, businesses and communities must work together to

Following discussions at the Summit, several things are clear: We need to build a resilient grid, develop electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and break down cost and convenience barriers to the adoption of zero-emission vehicles. Policies and incentives must be developed to promote advanced renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydropower and geothermal, and to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and industrial processes.

We also need to continue to explore carbon removal technologies such as direct air capture, consider the potential of natural solutions such as afforestation and reforestation (i.e., create new forests and reforest existing forests), and implement policies that reduce waste.

Finally, we need to encourage product design that minimizes waste and supports the circular economy, provide subsidies and incentives for green technologies, and promote a just transition that ensures inclusion and equity for all. Most importantly, we are all in this together. A coordinated, multi-level international effort is crucial.

Time is passing and the days of vague wishes are over. Leaders everywhere need to be held accountable for the short- and long-term commitments they make. In my opinion, this is not a burden but an opportunity. Not only are we helping to create a sustainable future, but we are using the clean energy transition to improve our competitiveness, drive innovation and build a better world today and for generations to come.

Cynthia Williams is a member of the One Planet Advisory Board.Learn more about her work here.