Apple Makes Big Moves Towards Environmental Protection in China

Apple is partnering with World Wildlife Fund to increase the number of responsibly managed forests in China. The team up is part of Apple's new push for increased renewable energy and environmental protection in China.

Apple working to save forests in ChinaApple working to save forests in China

As part of the project, Apple plans to extend its renewable energy projects to manufacturing facilities in China, too. "We've set an example by greening our data centers, retail stores and corporate offices, and we're ready to start leading the way toward reducing carbon emissions from manufacturing," Apple CEO Tim Cook said.

Apple is looking to reduce the environmental damage in China by creating a responsibly managed forest system that leads to improved paper resource management around the world.

The announcement follows news that Apple is building a solar farm in China's Sichuan Province capable of generating more power than its retail stores and corporate offices in the country need. Apple said the solar farm was designed to minimize their ecological impact and to protect the grasslands necessary for the yak population.

Currently, 87 percent of Apple's operations around the world run on renewable energy. The company's goal is to boost that up to 100 percent, and the planned Sichuan solar farms will help get closer to that mark.

Mr. Cook added that Apple is ready to set a global example for environmentally responsible manufacturing.

"Apple is in a unique position to take the initiative toward this ambitious goal. It is a responsibility we accept," Mr. Cook said. "We are excited to work with leaders in our supply chain who want to be on the cutting edge of China's green transformation."