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illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on WIRED or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: Amazon's shipping emissions have surged, with a new report estimating a 194% increase in US delivery vehicle emissions since 2019
• Despite deploying 15,000 electric vans, the company’s reliance on air and truck shipping heavily contributes to this rise
• Amazon disputes the report's accuracy but admits overall emissions are growing due to expanded operations
🔭 The context: In 2019, Amazon launched its Climate Pledge, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2040 and 100,000 electric vans by 2030
• However, emissions from shipping have increased by 75%, largely due to Amazon's expanding air cargo operations
• Stand.earth's report highlights the company’s failure to decarbonize long-haul and air freight transport
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Amazon’s growing emissions undermine its climate goals, with transportation being one of the hardest sectors to decarbonize
• The company’s choices could set trends for the wider industry, impacting global carbon emissions
⏭️ What's next: Amazon faces mounting pressure to curb its air freight use and expand its electric vehicle fleet
• Achieving its climate targets will require aggressive efforts, such as investing in greener logistics and more sustainable aviation fuels
💬 One quote: “If Amazon is serious about climate progress, that’s a really easy place to start: stop flying so much,” – Joshua Archer, Stand.earth campaigner
📈 One stat: Amazon’s shipping emissions rose from 3.3 million tons of CO2 in 2019 to 5.8 million tons in 2022, equivalent to adding 595,000 gas-powered cars to the road
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