In the race against climate change, carbon neutrality has emerged as a critical goal for both corporations and individuals. With the voluntary carbon market surpassing $740 million in 2021 and projections to exceed $1 billion in subsequent years, the momentum behind decarbonization efforts is unmistakable.
Corporate Leaders in Carbon Neutrality
Unilever's Sustainable Living Plan
Unilever has demonstrated remarkable progress through its 2010-2020 Sustainable Living Plan. The company achieved a 75% reduction in CO2 emissions from energy in factories compared to 2008 levels and sourced 51.9% of manufacturing energy from renewable resources by 2020. These initiatives have yielded tangible business benefits—Unilever's "Sustainable Living" brands grew 69% faster than the rest of the business and delivered 75% of the company's growth. Strong shareholder support is evident, with 99% voting in favor of the company's climate transition plan in 2021.
Google's Renewable Energy Commitments
Google has matched 100% of its energy consumption with renewable energy purchases since 2017 and aims for 24/7 carbon-free energy across all operations by 2030. The tech giant has made significant investments in clean energy capacity—4 gigawatts in 2023 alone—including pioneering corporate agreements for next-generation geothermal energy. While the majority of Google's emissions come from its supply chain (Scope 3), the company is actively working with suppliers and partners to meet its net-zero goals. Analysts remain optimistic about Alphabet's stock performance, with a "Strong Buy" consensus rating reflecting confidence in its sustainability strategy.
Carbon-Neutral Products by Apple
Apple has taken bold steps toward making every product carbon neutral by 2030, recently launching its first carbon-neutral products in the Apple Watch lineup. Key initiatives include eliminating leather across all product lines, achieving 100% clean electricity for manufacturing, increasing the use of recycled materials, shifting to lower-carbon transportation methods, and investing in carbon removal projects. These sustainability efforts have strengthened Apple's brand image and financial performance, with the company reporting record iPhone revenue and a 13% increase in quarterly earnings per share year-over-year following the release of its carbon-neutral watches.
One of Indonesia’s Leading Example
Meanwhile, PT Mowilex became Indonesia's first carbon-neutral manufacturer in 2019 and has maintained this certification for five consecutive years. The company reduced its gross emissions by 13.2% from 2020 to 2021 through renewable energy use and energy-efficient technologies. Mowilex's environmental leadership has attracted new clients, including universities and luxury malls, while its operational efficiency measures have reduced costs—for example, new solar panels at headquarters are expected to cut emissions by 30%.
Individual Carbon Neutrality
The rising awareness of climate issues has led to increasing participation by individuals in carbon offset markets. The forestry and land use sector saw the highest trading volume and value increase in 2021, with 115.0 MtCO₂e traded by August, representing a 139.4% rise from the previous year and reaching a market value of $544 million. Renewable energy projects also maintained a strong position with 80.0 MtCO₂e traded.
Celebrity Examples
Several high-profile individuals demonstrate different approaches to carbon neutrality:
- ●Leonardo DiCaprio offsets his carbon footprint through his foundation, which funds reforestation and renewable energy initiatives.
- ●Mark Ruffalo has transitioned to 100% renewable energy for his home and advocates for green energy solutions.
- ●Greta Thunberg minimizes her carbon footprint by avoiding certain transportation methods, notably sailing across the Atlantic on a zero-emissions yacht to attend climate conferences.
Why Support Carbon Neutrality?
Individuals purchase carbon credits for several reasons:
- To offset personal emissions from activities like air travel, home heating, or personal internal combustion engine vehicle use
- To support environmental projects that reduce greenhouse gases and provide additional environmental and social benefits
- To take personal responsibility for their impact on climate change and contribute to global climate goals
In 2023, a total of 178 million carbon credits were retired globally—equivalent to the combined annual emissions of countries like the Netherlands and Luxembourg. This growing trend indicates increased commitment from both individuals and companies to compensate for their emissions and support projects ranging from renewable energy installations to forest conservation.
What to Expect?
Bank of America forecasts that the carbon offset market may need to grow 50-fold to meet global net-zero emissions targets by 2050, with an estimated 7.6 gigatones of CO₂ offsets required annually. As companies and individuals continue to pursue carbon neutrality, transparency, innovation, and measurable impact will be essential to ensure these efforts translate into meaningful climate action.
The journey toward carbon neutrality represents not just a corporate responsibility or individual choice but a collective imperative—one that increasingly influences investment decisions, consumer preferences, and global economic systems in the fight against climate change.