Alcoa ... part of the solution to climate change
What is Climate Change?
Climate change is undoubtedly one of today’s biggest challenges. It is now widely accepted, and scientific evidence has confirmed, that human activity is changing the climate of the Earth. This has significant implications on our everyday lives.
Greenhouse gases are a natural part of the atmosphere. They absorb and re-radiate the Sun's warmth, and maintain the Earth's surface temperature at a level necessary to support life. The problem we now face is that human actions are increasing the concentrations of the gases that trap heat. This is contributing to a warming of the Earth's surface. (www.climatechange.gov.au).
This warming may then cause changes to the Earth’s climate, leading to dramatic environmental, economic and socials impacts.
Alcoa views climate change as the most central sustainability issue of our time.
We are determined to do our part, and to provide leadership on the issue wherever we can.
Alcoa is regarded as a leader in the aluminium industry on addressing climate change.
In 2003, we achieved our target of reducing global direct greenhouse gas emissions by 25% from a base year of 1990. Since 2003, we have further reduced global direct greenhouse gas emissions to 33% below 1990 levels.
While technology and innovation are leading the way for future reductions in greenhouse intensity, the product we create also has an important role to play through lightweighting and recycling.
In all areas of transport, aluminium is reducing fuel consumption by reducing vehicle weight. Every kilogram of aluminium used to replace heavier materials in a motor vehicle can reduce CO2 emissions by 20 kilograms over the life of the vehicle.
In the transport industry it is estimated that by 2030, the increased use of aluminium will have the potential to save enough fuel to offset all of the greenhouse gases produced by the aluminium industry globally.
Additionally, recycling aluminium also contributes to global sustainability by reducing energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and the use of resources. Aluminium recycling saves 95% of the energy used to create new metal and Alcoa is proud to be the largest recycler of aluminium cans in the country.
As individuals, we can all make a difference and become part of the solution. Our 'Make an Impact' program is helping Alcoa employees, their families and the wider community do just that - click here .
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Video: Alcoa & Climate Change
Watch Managing Director, Alan Cransberg, and Sustainability Manager, Tim McAuliffe, explaining the climate change challenges to Alcoa employees
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Sustainability: What more should companies do?
Find out more about Alcoa’s global commitment to climate change
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Aluminium ... endlessly recycable
Alcoa is the largest recycler of aluminium cans in the Southern Hemisphere, recycling around 55,000 tonnes each year
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Want to reduce your greenhouse footprint?
Our Make an Impact program can help
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