RIYADH: Salesforce, a US-based cloud-based software company, has pledged to reach net zero carbon emissions and conserve and grow 100 million trees by 2030.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the IT company announced its participation in a global tree equity and urban reforestation initiative, partnering with American Forests, One Tree Planted and SUGi.
It also announced a $300m investment to accelerate 1T.org — a global movement to restore, conserve and grow one trillion trees by 2030— and advance climate justice initiatives.
Tree equity is defined as having enough trees and green canopy in a specific area or region. According to scientific studies, neighborhoods lacking in trees can be 5 to 7 degrees hotter and sometimes as much as 22 degrees hotter than neighborhoods with sufficient tree cover.
Salesforce’s initiative aims to mobilize and engage ecopreneurs, local organizations and volunteers, including Salesforce employees, in cities across Canada, Europe, India, South Africa, and the US with limited access to green spaces.
“Trees are one of the most powerful green infrastructure solutions we have to fight climate change, advance equity, and create tangible benefits for all people,” said Suzanne DiBianca, EVP corporate relations and chief impact officer, Salesforce.
The company also launched its blue carbon program to conserve, protect, and restore coastal and marine ecosystems. The initiative will help develop the nascent blue carbon market, and includes a goal to purchase 1 million tons of high-quality blue carbon credits, equivalent to more than $10m over the next four years.
The company said the program would “mobilize, educate, and coordinate” corporate buyers to conserve and restore blue carbon ecosystems through voluntary carbon markets. This would focus on scaling the supply of high-quality blue carbon credits by improving policy and advancing equitable access to global carbon markets by local and indigenous communities.
