CHICAGO — McDonald’s Corp. recently announced that it would commit to net zero emissions across its global operations by 2050. 

The massive quick-service restaurant stated that it joined the United Nations Race to Zero campaign and also signed the Science Based Targets initiative’s (SBTi) Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign. 

“We believe we have both a privilege and a responsibility to help lead on issues that matter most in communities – and there is no issue more urgent globally and of impact locally than protecting our planet for generations to come,” said Chris Kempczinski, McDonald's president and chief executive officer. “By committing to net zero through the SBTi’s Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign, we are helping every community we serve mitigate the impacts of climate change and adapt for the future.”

McDonald’s stated that its already had an 8.5% reduction in the absolute emissions of restaurant and offices and a 5.9% decrease in supply chain emissions intensity against a 2015 baseline. The company also plans to increase the emissions reduction levels in its existing 2030 science-based target across all scopes of emissions in line with developing SBTi best practices and will set a long-term reduction target to reach net zero emissions.

A Reuters report published after the announcement said that around 80% of McDonald’s emissions come from its supply chain including beef, chicken, dairy and other proteins. 

McDonald’s said it would work with the SBTi to reduce emissions in forestry, land use and agriculture to define a science-based framework for net zero emissions.