Nonprofit organization, Climate Counts, released its report card of sixty different companies across multiple industries on their actions to address climate change. Of the sixty examined, twenty six received passing grades, with the technology industry achieving the most success. Notable successes were Nike, Starbucks, The Coca-Cola Co., IBM, Anheuser-Busch, Google, and the U.S. Postal Service. Twenty four companies received average grades leaving ten with failing marks.
Amongst the companies showing little to no action to address climate change were Amazon, eBay, Viacom, and Apple. The food services industry showed the least promise, with Burger King, Wendy’s International, Darden Restaurants (Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Longhorn Steakhouse), and Yum! Brands (KFC, Long John Silver’s Pizza Hut, Taco Bell) all earning failing grades. McDonald’s received an average grade.
Companies were assessed using publicly available information against 22 criteria related to climate change impact, reducing global warming pollution, publicly disclosing on their climate protection efforts, and taking positive or negative positions on public policy relevant to climate change.
Stonyfield Farm, an organic dairy foods manufacturer which funds Climate Counts, not surprisingly earned the second highest score on the rankings.
In the associated press release, Climate Counts stated that the scorecards are released, “with the hope that creating a simple, easy-to-understand ranking of companies would motivate both companies and consumers to step-up their efforts on climate change.”
Additional Reading:
Fresh Air. The Scent of Pine. 
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