Gap Inc Statement on Paris Climate Agreement Announcement

Australia and Portugal have become the latest countries to successfully achieve the re-endorsement of their national forest certification systems by PEFC. This not only confirms that they continue to meet PEFC’s globally recognized Sustainability Benchmarks, but also ensures that certified forest owners and companies in these countries continue to benefit from the global acceptance of PEFC. This marks the second re-endorsement for Australia and Portugal, with both countries achieving endorsement for the first time back in 2004. The endorsement of the Australian system was particularly significant as, alongside Chile, it became the first non-European country to be recognized by PEFC. Since then, over 10 million hectares of forest have been certified in the country.

AptarGroup, Inc. has been recognized for its leadership in corporate sustainability by the global environmental non-profit CDP, securing a place on its prestigious ‘A List’ for tackling climate change. Aptar was recognized for its actions to cut emissions, mitigate climate risks and further the low-carbon economy, based on the data reported by the Company through CDP’s 2020 climate change questionnaire. Aptar is one of a small number of high-performing companies out of 5,800+ that were scored. Through significant demonstrable action on climate, Aptar is leading on corporate environmental ambition, action and transparency worldwide.

Broadleaves trees improve forest growth and yield and increase the diversity of forest species. Biodiversity helps forests to face the changing climate conditions and thrive. “If we achieve this goal, one fifth of all trees on sites that accommodate birch will be broadleaves. The increased amount will strengthen both tree species and many of other forest species and improve forests’ capacity to endure adverse weather conditions and insect damage caused by climate change,” says Risto Laaksonen, UPM’s Director, Forestry. According to Laaksonen, increasing the share of broadleaves trees also increases coniferous trees' strength to grow, at least according to current knowledge. At the same time, the competition within this more diverse group of species will become more intense. This brings balance to the ecosystem and reduces the risk that one species will overpower the others and cause damage.