Carbon neutrality is an increasingly used word within the environmental science community.
Every corporation it seems has set aside a date for it—a date after which their company will become a positive force for the environment.
Even major natural gas companies like Exxon Mobil have announced that they’re dedicated to saving our climate.
How authentic are these intentions and how much of it is consumer-facing marketing to uphold brand ethics in the public eye?
“Santa Barbara experiences a lot more of the effects of global warming than other places. We’re prone to wildfires, long droughts, and mudslides,” junior Robie Polos said.
We’ve directly seen the results of neglectful companies in incidents such as the historic 1969 Oil Spill—the impetus for the now internationally celebrated Earth Day, which originated in Santa Barbara.
Some community members are concerned that their personal impact on the climate is overshadowed by that of large companies.
“I think it’s more in the hands of corporations, especially fossil fuel companies who lobby with the government to prevent climate bills from passing,” junior Brandon Fuladi said.
An examination by the Statstista Research Department found that oil companies spent over $67 million lobbying the U.S. government during the 2024 election cycle.
The majority of these companies set goals for carbon neutrality, but the ostensible motivation for these targets is under ethical critique.
“Many of the goals are big and are big enough, but they’re almost doing it as a means of advertising more than a means of social good. They are doing it so that customers won’t attack them for being climate-unfriendly. But they really don’t care,” Brandon said.
Corporations create a lot of advertising to present their climate goals and improve brand perception.
“I’m sure a lot of it is just to look good in the public eye,” junior Aaron Kamps said.
How corporations respond to climate change is integral to the future of our planet.
“Many of their efforts to appease the public don’t work out as intended and aren’t feasible,” said Robie.
With bills like the Inflation Reduction Act, our government is advocating for cleaner energy and a sustainable future.
It’s time for our corporations to do the same.
