Starbucks reassesses climate goals with coffee at the center

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🗞️ Driving the news: Starbucks is reassessing its corporate greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets amid its “Back to Starbucks” financial turnaround plan
• While operational and electricity-related emissions dropped 17% in fiscal 2025, overall emissions rose 7% compared to the 2019 baseline
• The company has integrated sustainability responsibilities across its business units, embedding climate considerations into coffee sourcing, farmer support, and operational practices

🔭 The context: Starbucks’ sustainability strategy emphasizes coffee at the center, particularly sourcing Arabica beans from climate-vulnerable countries such as Brazil, Colombia, and Ethiopia
• Investments in regenerative agriculture, climate-resilient coffee trees, and energy-efficient cafés are key levers
• Green coffee purchases and dairy milk remain the largest contributors to the company’s footprint, accounting for 12% and 13% of total emissions, respectively
• The review aligns with Science Based Targets initiative guidance for updating reduction goals

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Coffee production is highly sensitive to climate change, with shifts in rainfall and temperature threatening yields, farmer livelihoods, and associated emissions
• By investing in climate-resilient crops and regenerative farming, Starbucks is attempting to stabilize supply chains, reduce agricultural emissions, and build resilience in some of the world’s most climate-sensitive agricultural regions
• Operational improvements in energy, water, and waste further mitigate environmental impacts.

⏭️ What’s next: Starbucks will determine whether to maintain or adjust its 2030 goal of halving emissions, factoring in evolving regulations, sectoral standards, and market conditions
• Updates on revised reduction targets are expected in the near term, alongside continued investment in climate-resilient coffee farming and operational sustainability

💬 One quote: “With respect to the goal on greenhouse gas reduction, we are actively reassessing it while we evaluate the implications of emerging regulations, ongoing updates to relevant standards and other developments, and will share updates soon,” – Kelly Goodejohn, Chief Sustainability and Social Impact Officer, Starbucks

📈 One stat: 17% – Reduction in Starbucks’ operational and electricity-related emissions in fiscal 2025, driven by energy efficiency and water conservation measures across more than 13,000 cafés

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