Will there ever come a day when U.S. automakers are viewed as leaders in responding to climate change? Ford, under pressure from shareholders, has opted to reveal a detailed climate action plan -- and in the process may have inadvertently kickstarted some progress in that direction.

For years we have watched U.S. companies respond (or not) to shareholder resolutions regarding climate change. But here's the key: No longer content asking what companies will do, shareholder groups are now asking how those companies will achieve their stated goals. Ford's decision to bow to such pressure indicates the full extent to which companies are being pushed beyond vague commitments to enact real and lasting change.

At the risk of being left behind, the other U.S. automakers will likely be following Ford’s lead. Perhaps this collective move toward greater transparency will induce them to take a more proactive approach in the future. After all, the world will be watching.

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Will Sarni is CEO of sustainability consulting firm DOMANI. He is also SLM's expert-in-residence on climate strategy and the host of Climate Management Weekly.