Just ahead of COP26, the UN Climate Conference which is being held in Glasgow, Scotland, Salesforce has launched two natural climate solutions.
Salesforce, a global CRM company, has launched a global tree equity and urban reforestation initiative in partnership with American Forests, One Tree Planted, and SUGi; and a blue carbon program to protect and restore oceans and coastal ecosystems.
“Trees are one of the most powerful green infrastructure solutions we have to fight climate change, advance equity, and create tangible benefits for all people,” said Suzanne DiBianca, EVP Corporate Relations and Chief Impact Officer, Salesforce.
In addition, Marc and Lynne Benioff and Salesforce announced a $300 million investment to accelerate 1T.org — a global movement to restore, conserve and grow one trillion trees by 2030—and advance climate justice initiatives.
Tree equity is defined as having enough trees and green canopy in a specific area or region so everyone can experience the health, climate, and economic benefits that trees provide.
Salesforce’s tree equity and urban reforestation initiative aims to mobilise and engage ‘ecopreneurs’, local organisations and volunteers, including Salesforce employees, in cities across Canada, Europe, India, South Africa, and the US with limited access to green spaces.
“In partnership with bold leaders like Salesforce, we are beginning to right this wrong,” said Jad Daley, president and chief executive officer of American Forests. “Through our tool, Tree Equity Score, we can identify the neighbourhoods with vulnerable populations that need trees the most. This creates a roadmap for public and private investment for tree planting and protection in places that urgently need the benefits trees provide.”
Salesforce’s investments in natural solutions like trees and oceans, help deliver on the company’s goal to conserve, restore and grow 100 million trees by 2030, and builds on net-zero and other climate strategies to reduce emissions as outlined in its Climate Action Plan.
As part of Salesforce’s commitment to oceans, the company is launching a blue carbon programme to conserve, protect, and restore coastal and marine ecosystems.
“We are launching a blue carbon program at a time when it’s most critical for our planet. Coastal and ocean ecosystems deliver an outsized benefit in protecting our communities and marine life, they create jobs, and are essential for sustenance for millions of people around the world,” said Dr. Whitney Johnston Ph.D., Director of Ocean Sustainability at Salesforce.
Salesforce believes that the initiative will help develop the nascent blue carbon market, and includes a goal to purchase 1 million tons of high-quality blue carbon credits, equivalent to more than $10 million, over the next four years.
