Amazon invests in direct air capture (DAC) technology to remove carbon from the atmosphere.
The move is part of its commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040.
Amazon vice president of worldwide sustainability Kara Hurst said that while the primary focus is to decarbonise via renewable energy, the company also needs to seek “every possible avenue to reduce carbon in the atmosphere.
“These investments in direct air capture complement our emissions reductions plans, and we are excited to support the growth and deployment of this technology,” she continued.
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The e-commerce brand is set to purchase 250,000 metric tons of carbon removal over 10 years from STRATOS, 1PointFive’s first DAC plant, equivalent to the amount of carbon stored naturally across more than 290,000 acres of US forests.
In addition, through its Climate Pledge Fund, Amazon is making an investment in CarbonCapture a climate technology company recognised for its pioneering modular DAC systems.
These systems are designed to be easily upgraded over time with next-generation sorbents that filter CO2 out of the atmosphere, facilitating cost reductions driven by rapid material science advancements.
1PointFive president and general manager Michael Avery said: “Amazon’s purchase and long-term contract represent a significant commitment to direct air capture as a vital carbon removal solution.”
“The addition of 1PointFive’s high-integrity, quantifiable carbon removal credits support Amazon’s path to achieve net-zero and shows the growing role that DAC technology will play in decarbonization pathways,” Avery added.
