Henry Schein announces plans to reach net-zero emissions by 2050

As Dental Tribune International has previously reported, climate change is already associated with higher risks of adverse health outcomes and will likely impact oral health in the future through certain exposure pathways, including poor air quality, food and water insecurity, and extreme weather events. The Business Ambition for 1.5 °C campaign encourages companies to take the initiative and set robust greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, including halving emissions by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050. According to the SBTi, 965 companies, representing more than $13 trillion in market capitalization, have thus far committed to its climate action plan. Though a number of healthcare providers have already signed up, Henry Schein is the first dental company to make the commitment.

“Climate change is the most critical sustainability issue of our time,” said Stanley M. Bergman, chairman of the board and CEO of Henry Schein, in a press release.

He continued: “By signing the Business Ambition for 1.5 °C initiative, Henry Schein is joining corporate leaders worldwide in strengthening and sharpening our approach to measuring, monitoring, and reporting on carbon emissions and other environmental impacts. To date, we are focusing on baselining our distribution and transportation metrics in key markets in North America, Europe, and Australia, the results of which will form the basis for setting our science-based targets in the future, as defined by the SBTi.”

“The transformation to a net-zero economy is unavoidable,” said Alberto Carrillo Pineda, managing director of the SBTi. “Hundreds of businesses are leading the way by setting ambitious 1.5 °C science-based targets. To stand a fighting chance of maintaining a habitable planet, we urgently need more companies to act on climate science and to decarbonize our economy.”

Further information about the SBTi and the Business Ambition for 1.5 °C campaign can be found on the SBTi’s website.

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