Walmart has announced that it is unlikely to meet its 2025 and 2030 goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions due to challenges in energy policy, infrastructure, and the availability of cost-effective low-carbon technologies.
The retail giant had committed to cutting emissions from its operations by 35 percent by 2025 and 65 percent by 2030, based on 2015 levels. However, in an update posted on its website Wednesday, the company acknowledged that neither target appears achievable within the planned timeline, Reuters news report said.
While Walmart has a smaller carbon footprint per unit of sales compared to manufacturers and food processors, its environmental impact has been exacerbated by the opening of new stores and increased goods shipment. Key contributors to the emissions rise in 2023 include pollution from aging refrigeration systems, fuel emissions from transportation, and a slower expansion of renewable energy sources relative to the company’s growth.
Walmart’s challenges highlight broader issues in balancing corporate growth with sustainability efforts, even as the company strives to align with global climate goals.