How a top US business lobby promised climate action – but worked to block efforts

Business Roundtable aims to weaken efforts that would enable investors to hold companies accountable for their climate promises

Three years ago today, in a statement that would be described as historic", monumental" and revolutionary", America's most powerful and politically connected corporations promised to protect the environment by embracing sustainable practices across our businesses".

The Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation" came from the Business Roundtable, an influential Washington DC lobbying group whose 200-plus members include the chief executives of some of the world's biggest companies, including Apple, Pepsi, Walmart and Google.

Generate goodwill and positive PR by publishing bold climate goals, with little fear of being held accountable or legally liable for achieving those goals.

Can choose to selectively disclose certain parts of their carbon footprint, or none at all.

Are not required to reveal the greenhouse gas emissions generated throughout their supply chains - which, for most companies, make up the majority of their emissions.

Make high-profile pledges to fight climate change, while paying to maintain memberships in the Business Roundtable and other trade associations that spend millions of dollars to lobby governments against meaningful climate action.