A. Carbon About 350 words – Worth 7 Points
Make a cost argument and a moral argument (separate arguments) for why it is urgent that we reduce carbon emissions.
Explain the difference between:
Net Zero emissions (carbon neutrality)
Carbon Reduction (aiming toward zero emissions)
Carbon Capture and Storage (negative emissions)
Notes:
Net Zero Emissions
• Net Zero emissions is not zero emissions
• No standard exists for Net Zero emissions
• Net Zero means balancing emissions with climate-saving solutions
• E.g. Factory emits carbon, but plants a forest that captures carbon
Carbon Reduction
• An economy that relies on clean energy and produces low greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
Carbon Capture and Storage
• Means removing carbon from our air (capture and storage)
• Methods to remove carbon: biological, technical, geochemical
• We will be forced to rely more on carbon capture, if we do not address climate change now
Research and explain three reasons why Net Zero emission targets are problematic.
B. Nestlé Analysis About 700 words – Worth 15 Points
Analyze Nestlé’s Net Zero Roadmap (February 2021): https://www.nestle.com/sites/default/files/2020-
12/nestle-net-zero-roadmap-en.pdf
Assess Nestlé’s Net Zero plan using four questions that can be used to assess a Net Zero commitment: https://www.vox.com/22737140/un-cop26-climate-change-net-zero-emissionscarbon-offsets
The Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC) places Nestlé among 50 companies with the highest exposure to risk due to climate change. Explain this concern by identifying the physical risks that Nestlé faces due to climate change. Include Nestlé’s “insetting” and “offsetting” carbon removal strategies in the context of this risk discussion.
Like most large publicly-traded corporations, Nestlé claims that its Net Zero Roadmap will allow it to achieve “future-proof growth” while reducing Green House Gases (GHG) (p. 7). Critically discuss this claim in the wider context of our climate change crisis and our economic system, which focuses on shareholder returns.
Most of Nestlé’s GHG emissions lie in its value chain, particularly in the area of sourcing. Discuss the enormous challenges food companies face related to sourcing in the context of climate change and population growth. As a food company leader, how do you personally think Nestlé should advocate with government (on governmental policies and regulations) and with consumers (how the world eats).
C. United Nations Global Compact 5 Stages of Sustainability About 500 words – Worth 11 Points
Critically examine Apple’s Environmental Progress Report 2021 and make an argument for the stage at which you would place Apple Inc. in the UN Global Compact 5 Stages of Sustainability. Note: Focus on environmental sustainability, not social sustainability: https://www.apple.com/environment/pdf/Apple_Environmental_Progress_Report_2021.pdf
Base your argument on information from Apple’s report, as well as information found outside of the report (e.gs. news, sustainability ratings, comparison to similar companies).
D. Environment, Social, Governance (ESG) About 350 words – Worth 7 Points
Explain ESG.
Identify the positive potential of ESG for businesses, investors, capitalism, and climate change.
Research and critically discuss the current limitations and challenges of ESG reporting.
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