Amazon sees decline in carbon emissions for the first time

Amazon Lowers Carbon Emissions and Reports Progress on Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

In its annual sustainability report, Amazon announced a reduction in its carbon emissions for the first time since it began disclosing the figure four years ago. This article highlights the key findings of the report and emphasizes Amazon’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Carbon Emissions Reduction

According to the report, Amazon’s activities emitted the equivalent of 71.27 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2022, a decrease of 0.4% compared to the previous year. However, emissions are still 40% higher than in 2019, the year Amazon started disclosing its carbon footprint.

Carbon Intensity Improvement

The report also revealed that Amazon’s carbon intensity, which measures emissions per dollar of sales, decreased by 7% between 2021 and 2022, and has fallen by 24% since 2019. This improvement was attributed to increased efficiency across the company’s operations and continued investment in renewable energy.

Scope 2 Emissions Reduction

Amazon reported a significant drop of 29% in Scope 2 emissions, which account for emissions from electricity use, between 2021 and 2022.

Renewable Energy Investment

Amazon has invested millions of dollars in wind and solar projects to power its warehouses, data centers, and offices. The company has become the world’s largest corporate buyer of renewable energy and has pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions for its entire business by 2040.

Scope 3 Emissions Reduction

After three consecutive years of increases, Amazon’s Scope 3 emissions, which include indirect sources such as building construction and third-party transportation, decreased by 0.7% in 2022.

Electrification of Delivery Fleet

Amazon has made efforts to electrify its delivery fleet and has purchased 100,000 Rivian electric delivery vans, which are expected to hit the roads by 2030. The company currently has over 9,000 electric vehicles globally, including 2,600 Rivian vans in North America.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its progress, Amazon’s climate record and measurement methods have faced scrutiny. Employees and shareholder groups have raised concerns about the company’s failure to meet its climate commitments. Environmental justice groups have criticized Amazon’s rapid warehouse expansion, which they argue disproportionately harms minority communities where the warehouses are concentrated.

Updated Supply Chain Standards

Amazon announced that it will update its supply chain standards to require suppliers to regularly share their carbon emissions data and set emissions reduction goals, starting from next year.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
• SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
• SDG 11.6: Reduce the adverse environmental impact of cities
• SDG 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
• SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards
• SDG 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Carbon emissions (metric tons of carbon dioxide)
• Carbon intensity (emissions per dollar of sales)
• Scope 2 emissions (emissions from electricity use)
• Scope 3 emissions (indirect sources such as building construction and third-party transportation)
• Number of electric vehicles in the fleet
• Supplier’s carbon emissions data and emissions reductions goals

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: cnbc.com

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