Lime’s CEO Andrew Savage on Climate Action
Lime, the e-bike rental company, has played a significant role in popularizing climate-friendly transportation options like micro-mobility and bike shares, concepts now widespread in major cities globally. Operating in over , Lime has seen remarkable growth, with an estimated five e-bike trips booked every second, totaling around 156 million trips worldwide. Beyond its contribution to decarbonizing transportation, Lime, under Andrew Savage’s leadership, is actively pursuing a greener approach to its own operations by transitioning to a zero-emissions fleet. Lime’s commitment to sustainability has resulted in a 32% year-over-year business growth and a reduction in annual CO2 emissions. Notably, the company’s has decreased by almost 60% since 2019.
What is the single most important action you think the public, or a specific company or government (other than your own), needs to take in the next year to advance the climate agenda?
We need to reconsider the dominant role of private cars in our largest cities. By 2050, of the world’s burgeoning population will reside in urban areas. Cities have the potential to be the most carbon-efficient living spaces, but achieving this requires responsible growth. By re-evaluating the dominance of cars, which remain idle and parked of their lifespan, we can free up substantial space for affordable housing, parks, dedicated bike lanes, and other urban amenities that enhance livability while significantly reducing carbon pollution.
What is a climate solution (other than your own) that isn’t getting the attention or funding it deserves?
Reducing plastic packaging waste. Consider the volume of waste generated through single-use plastics, from product packaging to food containers. Companies should take ownership of this waste by adopting more sustainable biodegradable material choices or implementing recollection programs after use. Consumers should also demand such practices. Through cradle-to-cradle initiatives and other technologically driven solutions, there exist vast opportunities to simultaneously reduce plastic waste and fossil fuel consumption.
Where should climate activism go in the next year?I’m particularly inspired by the great work of , founded by climate activist Bill McKibben. Its focus is on engaging those who are 60 years and older, a demographic with the time, financial resources, and voting habits to make a meaningful impact. And, frankly, it’s the generation most responsible for the climate crisis we are in today. While it’s easy to say that future generations will be responsible for the solution—and we will be—there’s a very capable generation with tons of resources to help us hasten the decarbonization transition we so badly need.