Climate Change
According to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the earth's climate is warming as evidenced by increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, rising sea levels and an increase in extreme weather events.
It is widely believed that global warming is the result of an increase in man-made greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Greenhouse gases – some naturally occurring and others resulting from human activity – contribute to climate change by trapping heat within the lower layers of the earth's atmosphere.
Combating Climate Change
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a greenhouse gas which occurs naturally but is also produced from the combustion of fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas. Actions to reduce GHG emissions and combat climate change are a key element of Resolute Forest Products' sustainability agenda.
We have succeeded in reducing our GHG emissions per metric ton of paper produced by 22% (intensity) from 2000 levels. Absolute emissions, taking capacity reductions into account, have been reduced by 57%, or 6.6 million metric tons of CO2 equivalents per year.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions
2010 vs. 2000
Our progress to date reflects a Company-wide focus on improved energy efficiency and on switching from fossil fuels to cleaner renewable energy sources such as hydroelectricity and carbon neutral biomass. In 2010, Resolute generated 70% of its total energy requirements from renewable sources.
We intend to continue implementing new initiatives to further reduce emissions through improved processes, energy efficiency and green energy projects with the aim of making Resolute a carbon neutral enterprise, which involves achieving zero net carbon emissions.
To learn more, read our 2010 Sustainability Report.