Boston, May 22, 2025 – 13.9% of shareholder votes Wednesday were cast in favor of a resolution asking Amazon to report the climate emissions from all of its retail sales. Green Century, along with shareholder representative As You Sow, filed the resolution with the retail giant on behalf of shareholders.
“Amazon is failing to provide transparent and complete data on its emissions,” said Leslie Samuelrich, president of Green Century. “Without a clear picture of Amazon’s emissions, investors cannot analyze the company’s climate impact and associated risks.”
Amazon does not report emissions associated with 99% of the company’s retail sales. Unlike its peers Walmart, Costco and Target, the company only publishes the emissions of its Amazon-branded products, which make up a mere 1% of retail sales.
“Amazon’s emissions disclosures do not align with the global standard for corporate greenhouse gas reporting, which its major peers are following,” said Parker Caswell, climate and energy senior associate at As You Sow. “Amazon must live up to investor expectations and report more than the emissions from products that make up just 1% of its sales.”
Despite investor concern, and coming regulations in the European Union (EU) and California that may mandate more detailed disclosures, Amazon has not indicated it will improve its reporting.
Amazon fails to measure up to climate commitments
The retail sector is responsible for 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which means large retailers can play a crucial role in tackling the climate crisis. Amazon recognized this in declaring its ambitious target to cut emissions by 2040, citing the need for meaningful action to halt climate change.
While Amazon has set targets to tackle climate change, it has also faced complaints from its employees and legal challenges from customers on the accuracy of its climate disclosures and marketing.
“Amazon’s climate mitigation efforts should match the scale of its business, “ said Giovanna Eichner, shareholder advocate at Green Century. “It’s time for Amazon to live up to its own climate ambition and investor expectations for mitigating climate-related risks.”
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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