Amazon’s sustainability report grapples with Harlem’s future

By HWM

Recently Amazon launched their visionary 10 Key Takeaways from Amazon’s Latest Sustainability Report.

While Amazon’s 2024 Sustainability Report highlights several positive initiatives, it’s important to look critically at the impact of these efforts on communities like Harlem, New York, and similar urban areas.

Below is an analysis of some key conclusions and their possible impacts:

Investments in renewable energy: Amazon achieved its goal of generating 100% of the electricity used in its global operations from renewable energy seven years ahead of schedule.

While commendable, the direct impact on communities like Harlem may remain limited unless Amazon invests in local renewable energy projects or works to improve energy infrastructure in urban areas.

Reduction of the carbon footprint: Amazon reduced its total carbon footprint by 3% and reduced carbon intensity by 13%.

This is a positive step, but the impacts on local air quality and health in urban communities like Harlem are not explicitly addressed.

Packaging reduction: Amazon has replaced 95% of plastic air pillows with paper filling in North America.

This could reduce the amount of plastic waste in urban areas, but the report does not specify what impact this would have on local waste management systems or recycling efforts in communities like Harlem.

Climate promise friendly program: Thanks to the program, the number of available products increased by 157%.

While this offers more sustainable options, it is unclear whether these products are accessible or affordable for lower-income residents of urban areas.

Energy efficiency of the appliance: Amazon has implemented power saving mode on over 67% of its Echo and Fire TV devices.

This can help reduce energy consumption in homes, but the impact may be limited in communities where appliance ownership is lower due to economic factors.

Water conservation: Amazon has set new standards to reduce indoor water use in the US building sector by 40%.

“…how this applies to existing buildings or the shared water infrastructure.”

This could be beneficial for urban areas facing water scarcity, but the report does not specify how this applies to existing buildings or community water infrastructure.

Supply chain improvements: Amazon partnered with organizations to improve working conditions across its value chain.

While this is positive, the report does not address the potential impact of these improvements on the local labour market or working conditions in urban distribution centres.

Climate Promise Fund: Amazon invested in 26 emerging climate startups. The report does not specify whether any of these investments directly benefit urban communities like Harlem or create local green jobs.

Carbon Footprint Transparency: Amazon published carbon footprints of newly released devices.

While this information is valuable, it may not be directly relevant to communities more concerned with immediate environmental issues, such as air quality or waste management.

Sustainability exchange: Amazon has launched a platform to share knowledge about sustainability.

This could benefit local organizations and businesses in urban areas, but the report does not indicate how this information will be made accessible to communities like Harlem.

“…how these initiatives directly impact or benefit urban communities like Harlem.”

In conclusion, while Amazon’s sustainability efforts are notable, the report does not provide specific information on how these initiatives directly impact or benefit urban communities like Harlem.

To truly address sustainability in these areas, Amazon could focus more on local partnerships, community-based environmental initiatives, and targeted investments in urban infrastructure and green job creation.

Photo credit: Wiki.

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