A call to action for our oceans and climate
Sunday 8 June is World Ocean Day.
This year, the event focuses on the link between the oceans and the climate, serving as a powerful reminder of the intricate connection between the health of our oceans and the overall wellbeing of our climate.
As we reflect on this important day, it is clear that addressing climate change is essential for protecting the delicate ecosystems that our oceans harbour. This connection underscores our commitment to taking action against climate change every day.
What is the link?
There are many interdependencies between healthy oceans and a stable climate. The effects of climate change, result in issues such as rising sea levels, acidification and increasing ocean temperatures, and these have far-reaching consequences that require urgent global action. This means that the health of our oceans is not just an environmental issue; it is a critical component of our planet’s climate system.
Climate progress at Givaudan
At Givaudan, we recognise our responsibility in this global challenge. We are dedicated to our climate journey and have set an ambitious goal to achieve net-zero emissions across our value chain by 2045. While this is a long road ahead, we are proud of the progress we have made so far. Earlier this year, we achieved 100% renewable electricity in our operations, and since 2015, we have successfully reduced our scopes 1+2 emissions by 48% – that means we’ve nearly halved these emissions despite our continued growth as a business.
Global action for the oceans
Global action for the oceans is a collective responsibility and we all have a role to play. One way that this action is being catalysed is through the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); in particular SDG 14, ‘Life Below Water’, which focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development. This goal addresses critical issues like marine pollution, overfishing, and the impacts of ocean acidification, aiming to create healthy and productive oceans. It does so by setting out a series of key actions from reducing marine pollution to promoting sustainable fishing practices, championing increased scientific knowledge and innovation related to ocean health, establishment of protected areas and international cooperation on upholding marine laws.
Want to know more about our climate journey? Read our latest Integrated Report on climate change.
Photo by Noah Munivez