Disney to donate $7 million to conservation projects

The Walt DisneyWalt Disney Co said on today (November 3) it will invest $7 million in forest conservation projects in the Amazon, Congo and United States as part of its effort to reduce emissions, waste and energy use as a corporation.
This donation is part of Disney’s pledged made earlier this year to cut its carbon emissions from fuels in half by 2012, and ultimately achieve net zero direct greenhouse gas emissions at its office and retail complexes, theme parks and cruise lines.

Disney plans to use conservation projects (i.e. donations) as a means to reach its zero net direct emissions.

Conservation International, one of the recipients of the funds, said the donation which is the largest by a single corporation will go towards climate change programs and improving conditions for people and wildlife living in the targeted regions. Other recipients include the Nature Conservancy and the Conservation Fund.

The Disney funds benefit the Tayna and Kisimba-Ikobo Community Reserves in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and the Alta Mayo conservation project in Peru, as well as reforestation in the U.S. Lower Mississippi Delta and forest management efforts in North California.

Disney's move comes as U.S. lawmakers face pressure to cut greenhouse gas emissions ahead of an international summit on global warming convenes in Copenhagen in December.

As more consumers become social conscience, retailers and big corporations are feeling their desire to patronize greener and socially responsible establishments. While we applaud Disney’s donation, a question must be asked. How much of the decision to give the donation was for selfish reasons – a PR move to boost their imagine as a socially responsible and green corporation? The summer for Disney was ripe with deaths and injuries at its theme parks and consumer anger at increased ticket prices in the midst of a recession.