Boston, May 15, 2025 – On May 21, Amazon shareholders will vote on a proposal asking Amazon to disclose the total climate emissions associated with its retail sales. This is the second year Green Century and shareholder representative As You Sow are requesting that Amazon more comprehensively measure the greenhouse gas footprint of the products that contribute to its retail sales.
“Amazon’s status as a dominant global retailer means its products have a massive climate impact,” said Leslie Samuelrich, president of Green Century. “Failing to report full product emissions is failing to disclose significant climate risk to investors.”
Amazon’s climate footprint exceeds its reporting efforts
The retail sector is responsible for 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Many of the largest U.S. retailers, including Walmart, Costco and Target, already measure and report emissions from the majority of their products.
Amazon only discloses the emissions related to its Amazon-branded products, which comprise just 1% of its total sales. This excludes a significant amount of Amazon’s products—and their climate impact.
“Despite Amazon being an international leader in retail sales, the company lags in emissions reporting,” said Parker Caswell, climate and energy senior associate at As You Sow. “This limited reporting makes Amazon’s emissions appear much smaller than they actually are.”
“Amazon’s lack of transparency about its climate pollution leaves investors in the dark about the company’s exposure to climate risk,” said Green Century Shareholder Advocate Giovanna Eichner. “Information on risk is a foundation of disclosures and something every shareholder and potential shareholder deserves: The climate-related risks of Amazon’s total greenhouse gas emissions are no exception.”
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Green Century Capital Management Inc. is a leader in the environmentally responsible investing field. Green Century provides mutual funds for individuals and institutions to keep their money out of the most environmentally harmful industries. Green Century’s three-part approach combines fossil fuel free investing with award-winning shareholder advocacy and support of its public health and environmental nonprofit owners.
As You Sow is the nation’s leading shareholder representative, with a 30-year track record promoting environmental and social corporate responsibility and advancing values-aligned investing. Its issue areas include climate change, ocean plastics, pesticides, racial justice, workplace diversity, and executive compensation.
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