Nissan is the first Japanese automaker to join the Race To Zero campaign, and by doing this, the companies electrification and car carbon neutrality goals will accelerate. Nissan has signed onto the Business Ambition for 1.5°C commitment, which means as Business, Nissan's goal will be to keep global rising temperatures from rising to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Nissan has also joined Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which was a requirement for participation in the campaign. SBTi has validated that Nissan are well below the 2°C carbon reduction targets.
“Through joining the SBTi and participating in these campaigns, we are renewing our determination to work with like-minded companies and local governments around the world to solve the challenges of climate change and realize a sustainable society,” said Nissan President and CEO Makoto Uchida.
“To accelerate global efforts to achieve carbon neutrality, Nissan will continue to address various issues in a responsible manner, including further promotion of electrification. Also at Nissan we are determined to fulfil our role as a company that will continue to be needed by our stakeholders in the future.”
The world’s first mass-market electric vehicle, the Nissan LEAF, was launched in 2010, and it still brings innovation and excitement to zero emissions driving and zero emissions power to this day.
Earlier on in the year, Nissan had pledged to achieve carbon neutrality across its operations and the life cycle of its products by 2050. The company is preparing to speed up these efforts through the Nissan EV36Zero initiative, which is a manufactoring blueprint which combines electric vehicle production, battery manufacturing and renewable energy generation.
Alberto Carrillo Pineda, Managing Director and Co-Founder, SBTi said: “Bold and urgent action is needed to limit the worst effects of climate breakdown and unlock a sustainable future for us all. As the first Japanese automaker to commit to the Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign, Nissan is joining more than 700 companies worldwide in working towards the most ambitious and robust science-based emissions reduction targets.
“By aligning with climate science, Nissan is making a clear declaration that it is ready and willing to play its part in achieving the Paris Agreement. All other companies worldwide must take immediate action to increase their climate ambitions and support the global economy to significantly reduce emissions and achieve net-zero before 2050.”
COP26 President Designate Alok Sharma said: “It is fantastic to see Nissan join the Race to Zero. They are the first Japanese vehicle manufacturer to sign up and through their manufacturing of batteries in North East England for electric cars, are demonstrating real leadership in the transition to net zero across the UK.
“By joining the Race to Zero, Nissan is now part of the largest global alliance of companies, cities, investors, regions and universities committed to working together towards halving global emissions by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2050 at the very latest.
“COP26, the UN climate change summit the UK is hosting in Glasgow this November, is a turning point. We must keep the goal of limiting the average temperature rise to 1.5°C alive by taking decisive action and coming forward with long-term strategies for a pathway to net zero by the middle of the century.”
Working towards their goal of carbon neutrality, Nissan push to rollout electrified vehicles and technologies. This rollout began in 2010, with the LEAF, and continues today with the expansion of Nissan’s unique e-POWER technology, and also the brand new Nissan Ariya crossover. One of the biggest aims of Nissan, is to electrify the key markets of Japan, China, the United States and Europe by 2030.
Nissan also announced, earlier this year, their commitment towards the ABB FIA Formula E World Championships racing until season 12, which brings excitement and fun towards all-electric, and zero emission vehicles.