We take a progressive approach to climate change and use appropriate technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We recognise that there is uncertainty over the timing and magnitude of climate change and the consequential impacts on the environment.

However, we believe it is responsible to implement specific actions to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions per unit of output that arise directly or indirectly from our operations and from the use and recycling of a number of our products. The challenge for Rio Tinto is to determine the most effective way to reduce our greenhouse emissions and to present ideas and actions that will help to construct a flexible, long term global framework to address climate change.

Our programme is intended to reduce risks and maximise opportunities arising from local, national and international climate change policies. Rio Tinto's climate change programme will evolve, with step changes as necessary, as our businesses' needs change and as they advance their understanding of, and responses to, climate change issues.

In order to implement the climate change programme, Rio Tinto businesses:

• collect, analyse, and report verifiable greenhouse and energy data;
• develop and maintain a greenhouse gas emissions abatement cost curve specific to their business;
• set and achieve objectives and targets that enable continuing improvement in greenhouse gas emissions and energy performance;
• plan to address climate change risks and opportunities in the immediate term and as they evolve or change as a result of local, national, or international policies and measures;
• consider climate change issues in all project evaluations, capital expenditure, divestment and acquisition decisions;
• understand the greenhouse gas emission and energy impacts of each of its products throughout their lifecycle;
• participate in national and international policy formulation; and
• consider any impacts of a changing climate on their businesses.

For more information on our position on climate change... More detail

To view our key criteria for public policy... More detail