Climate change imperils our future. That is why TechNet has been proud to advocate for federal and state policies that address climate change throughout our organization’s 23-year history. In 2007, we released a report titled “Green Technologies: An Innovation Agenda for America,” in which we provided policy recommendations to encourage the use of renewable energy and protect the environment. Tech companies are combating the negative effects of climate change by working towards a net-zero carbon goal. See below for more information about how the tech industry is making a difference on climate change and sustainability.

Tech is Combating Climate Change

Amazon Announces Recipients of Climate Pledge Fund Investments (Amazon)

The Climate Pledge Fund is a $2 billion venture investment program backing sustainable technologies and services that will meet the Climate Pledge — a commitment to be net-zero carbon by 2040.

Realizing a Carbon-Free Future (Google)

By 2030, Google is aiming to run its business on carbon-free energy everywhere, at all times.

Microsoft Will Replenish More Water Than It Consumes by 2030 (Microsoft)

Microsoft is tackling its water consumption in two ways: reducing their water use intensity – or the water they use per megawatt of energy used for their operations – and replenishing water in the water-stressed regions they operate.

AT&T Commits to be Carbon Neutral by 2035 (AT&T)

The company is expanding its Climate Change Analysis Tool (CCAT) across the contiguous United States to identify the potential impacts of climate change on the network and operations – up to 30 years into the future.

Driving a Green Recovery (Uber)

Uber is committing to become a fully zero-emission platform by 2040, with 100% of rides taking place in zero-emission vehicles, on public transit, or with micromobility.

Our Commitment to Making a Positive Impact: Lyft’s First Environmental, Social, and Governance Report (Lyft)

Building an EV Ecosystem and All-Electric Future (GM)

eBay Among More Than 260 Companies Committed to 100% Renewable Power (eBay)

What’s New in Tech

Innovative Female Founders Break a New Glass Ceiling: Representation (Visa)

 

Patrice Banks is one of 25 women who received a $10,000 grant and an annual coaching membership to IFundWomen through the Visa and IFundWomen Black Women-Owned business grant program, part of Visa’s larger commitment to support the Black community and 50 million small and micro businesses worldwide. The number of businesses launched by BIPOC women has more than doubled since 1972. But they’ve been hit the hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic, in part, due to lack of easy access to funds. Read more here.

What We’re Saying

· TechNet Lobbies to Block Proposed 15% Cap on Commissions (Boston Globe). Read this news feature here.

Before You Start Your Weekend

Elizabeth uses an at-home connection to research ways we can be more sustainable. With Internet Essentials, she’s on her way to becoming a future ECO-CEO. Internet Essentials from Comcast is the nation’s largest program providing internet to low-income families, helping millions of students stay connected so they can be ready for anything. (Comcast)