Despite the U-turn of several US companies in climate protection, diversity, and inclusion, German enterprises in the US intend to stick to their principles. This was disclosed by several Dax companies in response to a query by the Welt am Sonntag.
The Deutsche Telekom, for instance, sees climate protection and the utilization of the full potential of the best skilled workers as decisions that serve the well-being of the company. “The Telekom acts long-term, solid, and sustainably. We shape our business in a way that protects the environment, climate, and social cohesion” said Melanie Kubin-Hardewig, head of the Corporate Responsibility department. The company generates around 65 percent of its revenue in the US.
The automobile manufacturer BMW, which generates around 16 percent of its business in the US, also avows to the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement as well as equal opportunities and inclusion. “These premises apply to the company worldwide and across all locations” a spokesperson stated. In the US, there is currently “no reason” to discontinue or change these activities.
Pharmaceutical companies Merck and Bayer also intend to maintain their course despite the shift in the political mood in the US. “In our view, growth and a green transformation do not exclude each other” Merck stated. “Bayer has no plans to modify its DEI initiatives or ESG goals” said Matthias Berninger, head of the Sustainability department at Bayer. Allianz, Deutsche Bank, and Siemens also intend to stick to their existing sustainability programs and principles for more diversity and equal opportunities.
Prior to the assumption of office by US President Trump, companies like Facebook, Harley-Davidson, and Ford had distanced themselves from so-called DEI initiatives, i.e., programs for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Trump is known as an opponent of such principles and threatens companies that adhere to them with harsh consequences. Previously, some of the largest US banks and asset managers had withdrawn from climate protection alliances.