Oct 11, 2021 - Energy & Environment

Chevron announces "aspiration" to be carbon neutral by 2050

A Chevron Corp. gas station displays a price for regular gas exceeding $3.50 a gallon in Atlanta.

Photo: Elijah Nouvelage/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Chevron this morning unveiled an "aspiration" to become a net-zero emissions company by 2050.

Why it matters: While several European majors have these long-term goals, to date U.S.-based behemoths Exxon and Chevron have resisted such pledges.

How it works: The commitment covers Chevron's projects and energy use but does not cover Scope 3 emissions — that is, CO2 from the use of a company's products, like gasoline, in the wider economy. Scope 3 is the largest share of industry CO2 output.

Yes, but: However, Chevron is including Scope 3 in an updated, nearer-term pledge to cut intensity — that is, emissions per unit of output.

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