Voluntary Corporate Climate Targets in a Patchwork Policy Landscape

This Energy Policy Seminar will examine how voluntary corporate greenhouse gas reduction commitments interact with public policies. Researchers from the Corporate Climate Targets Project at the Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability will present the online dashboard for the Salata Institute Corporate Climate Targets Database, which documents the climate targets of Russell 3000 firms over 2000–2024. The seminar will also explore how corporate targets often mirror government goals and policies and discuss the empirical challenges and research opportunities involved in evaluating the emissions impact of voluntary corporate commitments.

Speakers:

• Joseph Aldy, Teresa and John Heinz Professor of the Practice of Environmental Policy
• Mike Toffel, Senator John Heinz Professor of Environmental Management
• Carissa Hanjani, Research Manager, Corporate Climate Targets Project, Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability
• Ariane Bretl, Research Assistant, Corporate Climate Targets Project, Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability

Q&A to follow. Buffet-style lunch will be served.

Registration: RSVP required. A Harvard University ID is required for in-person attendance; all are welcome to attend via Zoom.

Recording: The seminar will be recorded and available to watch on the Belfer Center's YouTube channel.

Accessibility: To request accommodations or who have questions about access, please contact Elizabeth Hanlon-Warren (ehanlon@hks.harvard.edu) in advance of the session.