In an effort to achieve sector-wide emissions reductions and greater transparency, the International Copper Association (ICA) — a member of the UN Science Policy Business Forum — officially launched ‘The Pathway to Net Zero’, a comprehensive strategic decarbonization roadmap that was first announced at the UN Science-Policy-Business Forum Global Session at Stockholm+50.
As such, the entire Copper Industry commits to decarbonizing its operations by:
• Setting up a goal of reaching net zero Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2050
• Actively engaging with their value chain partners to bring Scope 3 emissions as close as possible to net zero by 2050.
To achieve these goals, the International Copper Association identified key enabling conditions including the need for significant investments, technological advancements, and policy regulatory frameworks that incentivize sustainable practices, while ensuring the industry can meet the growing demand for production.
As part of the way forward, the International Copper Association commits to measure the progress across the global copper industry, review and update the “Pathway to Net Zero” every five years as well as invite policymakers, academic institutions, and civil society organization to pursue innovative partnerships to achieve the decarbonization of copper production by 2050 and to provide a key raw material, in increasing quantities, to enable the decarbonization of many sectors of the economy.
Copper plays a critical role in the transition to a low-carbon economy and achieving global decarbonization goals. It is a vital component in many of the technologies and infrastructure needed for decarbonization, such as electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and energy-efficient buildings.
Copper is also an important component of energy storage systems and is used in the production of hydrogen, a zero-emission fuel source. These technologies have the potential to abate approximately two thirds of global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2050.
In 2018, Copper producers emitted 97 million tons of GHG as a result of direct emissions from own controlled resources (Scope 1) and indirect emissions (Scope 2 and Scope 3) associated with the purchase of electricity, steam, heat, cooling, transport activities and waste.
More info : https://copperpathwaytozero.org/