General Motors

General Motors: Carbon Emissions and Climate Commitments

General Motors (GM), a leading motor vehicle manufacturer headquartered in the US, has publicly committed to significant reductions in its carbon footprint. The company's latest disclosed emissions data for 2024 indicates total emissions of approximately 392.1 billion kilograms of CO2e. This includes Scope 1 emissions of about 1.24 billion kg CO2e, Scope 2 emissions (market-based) of approximately 1.07 billion kg CO2e, and substantial Scope 3 emissions totalling roughly 388.4 billion kg CO2e. Scope 3 emissions are largely driven by the use of sold products (250.8 billion kg CO2e) and purchased goods and services (90.2 billion kg CO2e).

GM has set ambitious climate targets, aiming for carbon neutrality in its global products and operations by 2040. Key reduction initiatives include a commitment to reducing Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 72% by 2035 from a 2018 baseline. Furthermore, the company has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality in its global products and operations by 2040, and aims to power all its global operations with renewable energy by 2050.

Specifically for its operational emissions, GM has a near-term goal to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions to near zero by 2025. The company is also working towards reducing its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 50% from a 2020 baseline by 2030. In addition to operational emissions, GM is targeting a 51% reduction in Scope 3 emissions from the use of sold light-duty vehicles per vehicle kilometre by 2035, also based on a 2018 baseline. The company's commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) underscores its dedication to aligning its climate targets with the goals of the Paris Agreement.