Automotive giant Ford Motor Company announced a new sustainability goal, intending to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The company also set interim targets addressing climate change challenges.

In setting this new target, Ford becomes the first U.S. full line automaker to commit to emission reductions in line with the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement is a multi-nation pact developed by parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to combat climate change, with a goal to limit the global temperature increase in this century to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and to work toward limiting the increase to 1.5 degrees. While rival automotive company General Motors has not yet set targets in line with the Paris Agreement, it has committed to reaching the RE100 goal of transitioning to 100 % renewable energy by 2050.

Ford’s initial focus will be on the three areas that generate approximately 95% of the company’s CO2 emissions: vehicle use, supply base, and company facilities. The company acknowledged that the achievement of its 2050 target will face challenges, including customer acceptance, government regulations, economic conditions and the availability of renewable, carbon-neutral electricity and renewable fuels.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Bob Holycross, Ford Vice President, Chief Sustainability, Environment and Safety Officer, said:

“We can develop and make great vehicles, sustain and grow a strong business and protect our planet at the same time – in fact, those ideals complement each other. We don’t have all the answers yet but are determined to work with all of our global and local partners and stakeholders to get there.”