“Mastercard’s Commitment to Climate Action: A Conversation with Ellen Jackowski, Chief Sustainability Officer”
Amidst the escalating climate emergency, Mastercard emerges as a proactive force, aiming to be a business advocate for tangible climate action. Ellen Jackowski, Chief Sustainability Officer at Mastercard, emphasizes the company’s dedication to influencing and implementing sustainable practices, with a focus on driving sustainable consumption, inclusive climate action, and nature-based solutions.
Taking responsibility for its environmental impact, Mastercard has successfully reduced its carbon footprint by 41%, with a commitment to achieving net-zero status by 2040. However, Jackowski highlights that the true potential lies in leveraging Mastercard’s extensive network to catalyze change beyond its organizational boundaries. With 90 million merchants, over 20,000 banking partners, and more than three billion cards worldwide, Mastercard aims to collaborate across the value chain, accelerating the transition to a sustainable and inclusive economy.
In the pursuit of inspiring, informing, and enabling consumers, Mastercard collaborates with its vast network. Initiatives like the Mastercard Carbon Calculator provide insights into the carbon emissions of purchases, empowering consumers to make informed decisions. The company encourages conscious consumer behavior, working with merchants and banking partners to instigate positive change.
Enablement, according to Jackowski, involves lowering barriers and creating opportunities for consumers to take climate action. Mastercard’s collaboration with respected organizations like Conservation International and the World Resources Institute aligns with its goal of restoring 100 million trees. The Priceless Planet Coalition, a collective effort with business partners across the value chain, allows cardholders to contribute to restoration projects through campaigns and platforms like the Carbon Calculator.
In summary, Mastercard, under the guidance of Ellen Jackowski, is not just addressing its carbon footprint but is actively shaping a sustainable future, leveraging its global influence and extensive partnerships to drive meaningful climate initiatives.
