OREANDA-NEWS. December 16, 2015. Over the weekend, global leaders from more than 190 countries came together in pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.   

In the U.S., the Obama Administration is working to meet these commitments through Executive Action so that the White House can proceed without approval from Congress.  This sets up a contentious political debate in 2016 about how U.S. commitments will be met on emissions reductions.

As the debate of how to implement the agreement unfolds in Washington and capitals around the world, Ford is focused on its own global commitment to sustainability, including a recent announcement to invest an additional \\$4.5 billion in electrification and add 13 new electrified vehicle nameplates to our product portfolio by 2020.
 
“We are taking a comprehensive, science-based approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from global products and the overall environmental impact of our manufacturing facilities around the world,” said John Viera, global director, Sustainability and Vehicle Environmental Matters.
 
Further, Mark Fields was one of 13 automotive and supplier CEOs, who signed the World Economic Forum (WEF) CEO Climate Leadership for Automotive statement that was released Dec. 10.  It calls for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing fuel efficiencies and developing future-facing technologies. The statement also reflects the vision and values embodied in Ford’s Sustainability Report. 
 
Notably, the auto industry represents 12 percent of global CO2 emissions and is currently the most regulated sector.  There are fuel economy regulations established in each of the world’s major vehicle markets and that is why the WEF Automotive statement also highlights the need for all sectors and countries to contribute to addressing climate change.
 
In the U.S., the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) worked with the auto industry and other stakeholders in 2011 to shape fuel economy standards through 2025.   
 
This aggressive program nearly doubles the fuel economy requirements - from 27.6 mpg in 2011 to 54.5 mpg by 2025, which is equivalent to a reduction in CO2 emissions of more than 40 percent. As part of the Mid-Term Review, Ford will continue its work with U.S. regulators to ensure the standards reflect market realities and consumer needs since first defined in 2011.