This is How Much Amazon’s Carbon Emissions Increased in 2020

While global greenhouse gas emissions had dropped significantly because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Amazon saw its carbon emissions grow last year as a result of more people shopping online on its e-commerce platform.

The e-commerce giant had its absolute carbon emissions grow by 19% YOY in 2020.

Amazon had cited the pandemic-fueled boost to its business as a primary driver of the increase in carbon emissions.

In its annual sustainability report issued this week, the company said its activities emitted the equivalent of 60.64 million metric tons of carbon dioxide last year. This is compared to 2019 when the company had reported 51.17 million metric tons, an increase of 15% year over year.

Amazon made a record $386 billion in revenue last year as shoppers flocked to the website for their necessities.

While absolute emissions grew, Amazon also lowered its carbon intensity, which measures emissions per dollar of sales, by 16% in 2020, which is in line with internal targets.

“This year-over-year carbon intensity comparison reflects our early progress to decarbonize our operations as we also continue to grow as a company,” Amazon said in the report. “Nearly half of our carbon intensity improvement is a result of our investments in renewable energy and operational efficiency enhancements.”

It was in 2019 that Amazon revealed its “Climate Pledge” where it committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2040. Last June, Amazon said it expects to run entirely on clean energy by 2025, which is five years ahead of the goal it initially stated in the Climate Pledge.

Recently Amazon ordered 100,000 electric delivery vehicles from Rivian that it says will be on the road by 2030.

Disclaimer: We have no position in any of the companies mentioned and have not been compensated for this article.