Amazon Launches Carbon Credit Service to Support Credible Climate Action

Amazon has introduced a carbon credit service through its Sustainability Exchange platform, offering companies access to high-integrity, science-based carbon credits. The new initiative is designed to help suppliers, business customers, and Climate Pledge signatories complement their emissions reduction efforts with credible and verifiable carbon offsets.

Participating companies must commit to rigorous emissions reduction strategies and public disclosure. Eligibility requires setting net-zero targets that cover Scope 1 (direct), Scope 2 (indirect electricity), and Scope 3 (indirect supply chain) emissions, alongside regular greenhouse gas reporting and science-based decarbonization plans.

Kara Hurst, Amazon’s Chief Sustainability Officer, described the initiative as a response to challenges in the voluntary carbon market. “The voluntary carbon market has been challenged with issues of transparency, credibility, and the availability of high-quality carbon credits. We’re using our size and high vetting standards to help promote additional investments in nature,” she said.

Amazon’s broader climate strategy includes achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. The new service supports that goal by promoting both nature-based and technological carbon removal solutions, including forest conservation, ecosystem restoration, and engineered removals. The company’s approach aligns with scientific consensus, such as IPCC guidance that emphasizes the need to remove approximately one trillion tons of atmospheric carbon by 2100.

Environmental leaders have welcomed the move. Dr. M. Sanjayan, CEO of Conservation International, noted the critical role of private sector participation: “Deforestation drives 30% of global emissions—if we don’t end and reverse it, we won’t get a handle on climate change. Major private sector players like Amazon stepping up recognize that protecting nature is an economic necessity.”

Fred Krupp, President of the Environmental Defense Fund, echoed this urgency: “Our planet can’t wait. The need for bold corporate climate action has never been more urgent. Amazon’s carbon credit service shows how companies can take meaningful action with speed and scale.”

Early adopters of the service include Flickr, Seneca Group, Ryan Companies, Corsair, Steelcase, and Slalom. Executives from these companies highlighted the value of Amazon’s rigorous approach to sourcing high-quality carbon credits. Ben MacAskill, COO of Flickr, emphasized the need for credible offsets to meet climate goals with confidence.