Welcome to The Strawman, the daily climate newsletter that’s committed to sustainability—kind of like that one friend who actually uses a reusable coffee cup every time.

Sticking to the Green Script

While many US companies are quietly walking back their environmental targets, agricultural heavyweight Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) is holding firm. Despite the Trump administration’s rollback of climate regulations, ADM says climate change isn’t a problem you can “shrug off” and hopes to stay part of the solution long term. The company has pledged to cut its indirect (Scope 3) greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2035, compared to 2019 levels. That's a big deal in the agrifood sector, which accounts for up to 37% of global emissions—meaning ADM’s choices can move the needle.

Trump’s Climate Curveball

It’s not exactly smooth sailing for sustainability in the US right now. Trump’s freeze on Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding and potential rollbacks from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have left businesses weighing whether green goals still make financial sense. Walmart and several financial institutions have already pulled back. Meanwhile, companies like General Motors, Ikea, and Rio Tinto are staying the course, creating a split between those leaning into long-term climate strategies and those tapping out. ADM, for its part, isn’t budging—at least for now.

Regenerative Farming: Saving Soil and Souls

If you’re wondering what regenerative farming is, think of it as the “clean eating” trend, but for soil. The goal? Boost soil health, lock carbon in the ground, and make farming more sustainable. ADM has already invested $30 million into regenerative agriculture, converting 3 million acres worldwide and preventing about 500,000 metric tons of CO₂ emissions annually—roughly equivalent to taking 135,000 cars off the road each year. Now, the company aims to expand those practices to an additional 2 million acres, an area about the size of Belgium.

Takeaway

In a world where green commitments are becoming optional, ADM is betting that sustainability isn’t just good for the planet—it’s good for business. Whether others follow suit or hit the brakes remains to be seen, but for now, ADM is plowing ahead.