We are proud to join more than 150 companies — with a combined market capitalization of over US$ 2.4 trillion and representing over 5 million employees — in signing a statement urging governments around the world to align their COVID-19 economic aid and recovery efforts with the latest climate science.
As debates on recovery packages around the world ramp up in the coming weeks, the companies, which are all part of the Science Based Targets initiative, are calling for policies that will build resilience against future shocks by supporting efforts to hold global temperature rise to within 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, in line with reaching net-zero emissions well before 2050. The signatories span 34 sectors and have headquarters in 33 countries.
Business must be active in advocating for governments to set long-term clear policies on climate change that give them the clarity and confidence they need to invest in the technologies and markets for the zero-carbon future. To reach net zero emissions well before 2050 and build resilience it is critical that countries update their national climate plans (NDCs) as called for in the Paris Agreement and strengthen 2030 targets in line with a 1.5 trajectory.
“YKK has a long history of environmental stewardship, which is an integral part of our ‘Cycle of Goodness’ philosophy. Our Environmental Pledge was signed by our CEO in 1994, and we created NATULON®, the first zipper made from recycled PET bottles and polyester remnants, 26 years ago,” says Hiroaki Otani, president, YKK Corporation, regarding the signing of the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action. The Fashion for Global Climate Action initiative calls on the fashion industry to acknowledge the contribution of the sector to climate change and its responsibility to strive towards climate neutrality for a safer planet.
YKK is committed to continuing its efforts to identify and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in its business activities, including raw material procurement, production processes, logistics, and the supply chain.
Watch this video to learn more about YKK’s sustainability initiatives