Monsanto Announces Commitment to Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions
St. Louis, MO—Monsanto Company announced that it has joined the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX), North America’s only voluntary, legally-binding greenhouse gas emissions reduction, registry and trading program.
As part of its agreement, the company will, by 2010, reduce its own direct carbon emissions from major U.S. operations by six percent below its 2000 levels or purchase carbon emission offsets as specified in the CCX contract.
The company said it would also work with farmer groups to discuss reducing carbon dioxide in the air by practicing no-till agriculture, which involves minimal plowing of farmland. This practice sequesters carbon in the soil rather than releasing it into the air in the form of carbon dioxide.
“With this action, Monsanto furthers its climate leadership role, joining the increasing number of major economic enterprises that have recognized that capping emissions and emissions trading through CCX is an important strategic management business tool, and we welcome Monsanto to the growing CCX group of members,” said Richard Sandor, CCX Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
“Our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas in the air extends beyond our own manufacturing footprint,” said Jerry Steiner, Executive Vice President at Monsanto.
Globally, studies have shown that no-till practices in 2005 reduced carbon dioxide releases from agriculture by an amount equal to the emissions from about four million cars.
For more information on Monsanto’s commitment to the environment, check out its Partner page on Earth 911.
