Milestone for the Science Based Targets Initiative
Overview
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has reached a significant milestone with over 10,000 businesses committing to sustainability goals. This achievement highlights the growing recognition of the importance of climate action for long-term business success.
SBTi’s Milestone Achievement
The SBTi, established in 2015, has seen a remarkable increase in the number of companies committing to its climate standards. As of early 2025, more than 10,000 organizations have either set science-based targets or made commitments to do so. This includes major corporations like Walmart, Apple, and UnitedHealth Group, as well as smaller companies.
The Importance of Science-Based Targets
Science-based targets are crucial for aligning business practices with the goals of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The SBTi provides a clear path for companies to reduce their carbon emissions, ensuring that their actions are in line with the latest climate science.
Growth and Leadership
The rapid growth in the number of companies committing to the SBTi is a testament to the urgency of the climate crisis and the leadership being shown across various industries. In just over a year, the number of companies with validated targets grew by 3,000, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability.
About the SBTi
The SBTi is a collaboration between the CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, the World Resources Institute (WRI), and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). It developed the first net zero standard in 2021 and offers specialized advice on climate goals for different industries. This helps provide a unified understanding of what it means to achieve net zero.
Leadership Transition
The SBTi is currently led by Interim CEO Susan Jenny Ehr, who will be succeeded by David Kennedy in Q2 of 2025. Ehr expressed confidence that the SBTi will continue to drive significant impact under Kennedy's leadership.
Validated Targets vs. Commitments
To get their targets validated by the SBTi, businesses must submit them for review and re-validation every five years. The SBTi's Corporate Net Zero Standard is undergoing major revisions to address controversies over carbon offsets and Scope 3 emissions.
The SBTi's milestone of over 10,000 business commitments underscores the critical role of corporate action in addressing climate change. As more companies step up to set and achieve science-based targets, the path to a sustainable future becomes clearer and more attainable.
Source:
https://sustainabilitymag.com/articles/sbti-more-than-10-000-businesses-committed-to-sustainabili
