Open one of our sparkling beverages and you will not only notice the carbon dioxide (CO2) that gives our sodas their signature fizz—you’ll also find the efforts of thousands of people worldwide working to reduce the amount of CO2 and other greenhouse gases our system emits into the atmosphere.
Climate change is one of the most critical challenges facing our planet. The consensus on climate science is increasingly unequivocal: Global climate change is happening and human-caused greenhouse gas emissions are a crucial factor. The implications of climate change for our planet are profound and wide-ranging, with potential impacts on biodiversity, water resources, public health and agriculture. The potential effects of climate change on people, communities and ecosystems are sobering to consider and demand immediate action. (Read our complete position statement on climate protection.)
Beyond the effects on the communities we serve, climate change could also have direct and indirect effects on our business. By harming global agriculture, changing weather patterns could limit the supply or increase the cost of ingredients we use in our products. Extreme weather could impair our bottling plants, disrupt our supply chain and affect consumer demand. Perhaps most seriously, climate change could seriously limit water resources for our operations, for our supply chain and for the communities we serve. That is why we believe reducing our system’s emissions and adapting to climate realities are crucial—for our business and for a sustainable future.
Like most challenges, the climate crisis also presents opportunities. The imperative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions compels us to do business smarter—to work “leaner and greener.” It gives us opportunities to lead. And it invites us to collaborate—to work toward a common goal with people from all sectors of society in developing solutions that are sustainable.
In 2011, we continued working toward our goals of reducing greenhouse gas-related impacts from our operations and increasing energy efficiency. We experienced setbacks in some areas, achieved encouraging progress in others and continued to engage with others in addressing this pressing global issue.