Amex GBT sets net zero emissions goal by 2050

American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) has announced a series of ambitious climate goals aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with a long-term commitment to achieving net-zero emissions across its entire value chain by 2050. These goals have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a globally recognized organization that aligns corporate strategies with climate science. SBTi has approved Amex GBT's near-term emissions reduction target and confirmed that the company’s long-term goals conform to the SBTi Corporate Net Zero Standard. Amex GBT’s announcement is a significant step forward in the company's environmental journey, which began in 2021 when it pledged to set science-based targets to reduce its carbon footprint across global operations and its supply chain. As part of this process, the company completed a comprehensive emissions assessment in 2023, covering Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. This assessment has informed the company's approach toward setting actionable and measurable climate goals, with a particular focus on reducing emissions in line with the latest climate science. Among the newly announced interim targets, Amex GBT has set a goal to reduce its absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 80% by 2030, using 2019 as a baseline. In addition, it aims to cut Scope 3 emissions—those generated by purchased goods and services, capital goods, energy-related activities, transportation, waste, business travel, and employee commuting—by 30% within the same time frame. Furthermore, the company is engaging with key partners in its supply chain, including a commitment to have 67% of its airline suppliers set science-based targets by 2028. Looking further ahead, Amex GBT has set its sights on an ambitious long-term goal of reducing absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 90% by 2050. This whole approach shows the company's understanding of the important role that travel plays in economic and social development and recognizes the urgent need to address the impact of business on the environment. Amex GBT CEO Paul Abbott emphasized the importance of the travel industry in leading global progress, but agreed to meet its environmental responsibilities. He highlighted the company's ability to take the lead in reducing carbon emissions, working with customers and partners to achieve its climate goals. The Amex GBT strategy is a major step forward in the travel industry's efforts to mitigate climate change, ensure business growth and sustainable practices for the modern world.