Suppliers for consumer electronics sold by companies including Apple Inc. and Alphabet Inc.’s Google need to accelerate efforts to curb rising emissions, according to Greenpeace. The semiconductor industry alone is forecast to emit 86 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent a year by 2030, more than twice Portugal’s annual carbon emissions, the non-profit group said Tuesday in a report. More than 70% of the global electronic sector’s emissions are tied to suppliers including semiconductor or display manufacturers, Greenpeace said. Though those companies have increased their use of renewable energy, progress to address their climate impact remains incompatible with goals to limit global warming to 1.5C (2.7F). “Most electronics industry suppliers studied have set long-term targets for carbon reduction,” Greenpeace said in the report. “Their timelines do not reflect the level of ambition that is necessary in the face of catastrophic climate change.” Google is working with suppliers to reduce their emissions and to encourage them to shift operations entirely to clean energy, the company said in a August filing. Apple has called on suppliers to use 100% renewable electricity by 2030, the company said in its most recent environmental progress report. – Bloomberg

Insight Point:
The rapid growth of the semiconductor industry has raised concerns about the increasing emissions and environmental impact of the electronic sector, with Greenpeace calling for accelerated efforts to curb rising emissions.

EcoBulletin:
The semiconductor industry is forecast to emit 86 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent a year by 2030, more than twice Portugal’s annual carbon emissions, according to Greenpeace. This highlights the urgent need for action to address the environmental impact of the electronic sector.

In response to Greenpeace’s report, Google has stated that they are working with suppliers to reduce their emissions and shift operations entirely to clean energy, while Apple has called on suppliers to use 100% renewable electricity by 2030. However, Greenpeace has emphasized that the timelines for carbon reduction set by most electronics industry suppliers do not reflect the level of ambition necessary to address catastrophic climate change.

It is clear that more needs to be done to align the efforts of suppliers in the electronic sector with the goals to limit global warming to 1.5C. This issue highlights the importance of sustainable practices and the use of renewable energy in the manufacturing and production processes of consumer electronics. As consumers, we must also be aware of the environmental impact of the products we use and support companies that prioritize sustainability and carbon reduction in their supply chains.