McDonald's Corporation, commonly known as McDonald's, is a global leader in the fast-food industry, headquartered in the United States. Founded in 1940, the company has grown to become a household name, with a significant presence in major operational regions including North America, Europe, and Asia. Renowned for its iconic menu items such as the Big Mac and Chicken McNuggets, McDonald's distinguishes itself through its commitment to quality and consistency. The brand has achieved numerous milestones, including the introduction of the drive-thru service and a focus on sustainability initiatives. With thousands of locations worldwide, McDonald's holds a dominant market position, consistently ranking among the top fast-food chains. Its innovative approach to customer service and menu diversification continues to set it apart in a competitive landscape.
How does Mcdonalds's carbon action stack up? DitchCarbon scores companies based on their carbon action and commitment to reducing emissions. Read about our methodology to learn more.
Mean score of companies in the Hospitality industry. Comparing a company's score to the industry average can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
Mcdonalds's score of 81 is higher than 90% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
In 2024, McDonald's Corporation reported total greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 60,245,138,000 kg CO2e, with Scope 1 emissions at about 94,233,000 kg CO2e and Scope 2 emissions at approximately 118,334,000 kg CO2e. The company has set ambitious climate commitments, aiming to achieve a 50.4% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 from a 2018 baseline. Additionally, McDonald's targets a 50.4% reduction in absolute Scope 3 emissions, which encompass emissions from its supply chain and franchise operations, within the same timeframe. For long-term goals, McDonald's has committed to reaching net-zero emissions across all scopes by 2050. This includes a significant reduction target of 90% for Scope 1, 2, and energy-related Scope 3 emissions by 2050, and a 72% reduction for other Scope 3 emissions. These targets align with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and reflect the company's commitment to sustainable practices and climate action. Overall, McDonald's is actively working towards reducing its carbon footprint while engaging with suppliers and franchisees to enhance sustainability across its operations.
Access structured emissions data, company-specific emission factors, and source documents
| 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2018 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 59,932,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 00,000,000 |
| Scope 2 | 321,081,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 |
| Scope 3 | - | - | - | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | - | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 |
Climate goals typically focus on 2030 interim targets and 2050 net-zero commitments, aligned with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to ensure alignment with global climate goals.
Mcdonalds has established climate goals through participation in recognized frameworks and target-setting initiatives. Companies often set interim 2030 targets and long-term 2050 net-zero goals to demonstrate measurable progress toward decarbonization.

Common questions about Mcdonalds's sustainability data and climate commitments