Apple has launched a new project to restore California’s redwood forest through its Restore Fund, reinforcing its 2030 carbon neutral commitment.
NEW DELHI (India CSR): Apple Inc. has announced a major new investment in the protection and restoration of California’s redwood forests, expanding its global Restore Fund initiative that backs conservation and regenerative agriculture projects across six continents.
The new project, in collaboration with The Conservation Fund, will focus on the Gualala River Forest in Mendocino County, a working redwood forest under threat of degradation. The initiative underscores Apple’s commitment to leveraging nature-based carbon removal solutions as part of its ambitious Apple 2030 goal to achieve carbon neutrality across its global footprint.
Global Nature Investments
Since its launch in 2021, the Restore Fund has scaled significantly. Initially set up with Goldman Sachs and Conservation International, it later brought in Climate Asset Management in 2023, and in 2025, Apple added direct investments in the U.S. and Latin America. Suppliers TSMC and Murata have also invested.
Lisa Jackson, Apple’s Vice President of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, said: “We’re thrilled to help protect California’s iconic coastal redwoods as part of our growing Restore Fund initiative. Forests are one of the most powerful technologies we have for removing carbon from the atmosphere. Our global investments in nature are leveraging that technology while supporting communities, stimulating local economies, and enhancing biodiversity in ecosystems around the world.”
Apple’s Climate Goals
Apple aims to cut emissions by 75 percent compared to 2015 levels by the end of this decade. The company has already surpassed 60 percent reduction. To balance the remaining emissions, it is prioritising nature-based carbon removal projects, which also deliver biodiversity and community benefits.
By 2030, Apple and its suppliers are targeting the removal of 9.6 million metric tons of carbon annually through global nature-based initiatives.
Protecting U.S. Forests
The California project highlights Apple’s focus on protecting domestic landscapes. The Conservation Fund will sustainably manage the redwood forest while generating carbon credits from long-term forest growth.
Larry Selzer, President and CEO of The Conservation Fund, said: “America’s forests are under immense pressure, with 13 million acres at risk of vanishing by 2050. This is one of the defining conservation challenges of our time. Our collaboration with Apple is a powerful model for protecting working forests, and we’re eager to replicate it with partners across the country.”
The Gualala River Forest provides habitat for hundreds of species and supports communities along California’s northern coast. Apple has previously worked with The Conservation Fund to protect 36,000 acres of working forests in Maine and North Carolina, and has invested in a mixed-species rainforest in Washington state.
Conserving Nature Globally
Apple’s Restore Fund is also backing international projects in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and South America. These include efforts with Conservation International to protect mangroves in India, support for the Jane Goodall Institute’s Roots and Shoots program, and collaboration with The Nature Conservancy to improve monitoring of climate solutions projects using remote sensing tools.
The company’s nature-based investments are also helping to build conservation leadership, support livelihoods, and test new models of carbon finance and sequestration worldwide.
Table: Key Facts on Apple’s Redwood Forest Project
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Initiative | Restore Fund (launched 2021) |
| New Project | Restoration & sustainable management of Gualala River Forest, California |
| Partner | The Conservation Fund (U.S.-based nonprofit) |
| Other U.S. Projects | 36,000 acres protected in Maine & North Carolina; rainforest in Washington |
| Global Scope | 24+ conservation & regenerative agriculture projects across 6 continents |
| Apple’s Climate Goal | Carbon neutral by 2030; 75% emissions cut vs 2015 baseline |
| Carbon Removal Target | 9.6 million metric tons per year by 2030 |
| Suppliers Involved | TSMC, Murata (fund investors) |
| Community Benefit | Supports rural jobs, biodiversity, local economies |
| Enforcement Timeline | Ongoing, with projects scaling through 2030 |
(India CSR)
