Climate Solutions

Enhance our operations and capabilities to meet customer and community needs in the transition to a low-carbon future.

2023-2024 Progress Highlights

Achieved a key milestone on our net-zero journey in August 2024 by receiving validation from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) of our net-zero target, consisting of both near-term and long-term targets.
Expanded Carbon Footprint Tool¹, which was made available to select Corporate clients in February 2023 and Carbon Offset Referral Suite launched for US Corporate clients in 2022.
Engaged thousands of colleagues in Green2Gether initiatives globally, including through volunteer opportunities with nonprofit partners, waste and energy reduction efforts, and more.

Moving Toward Net-Zero Emissions

In August 2024, we achieved a key milestone in this journey, receiving validation from the SBTi of our net-zero target, consisting of both near-term and long-term emissions reduction targets, and our near-term partner engagement target. 

In 2021, American Express committed to net-zero emissions in alignment with the SBTi. In 2022, we submitted near- and long-term emissions reduction targets to SBTi for evaluation and feedback. As the SBTi’s methodology for net-zero requirements and standards related to emissions accounting evolved, we have continued to engage in an active dialogue with the SBTi to better understand their updated guidelines and implications for our emissions profile. 

As a result of this process, we adjusted our greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory to address the SBTi’s feedback and worked across our business lines to set revised targets that align with the SBTi’s updated Net-Zero Standard.

In August 2024, the SBTi validated American Express’ net-zero target, consisting of both near-term and long-term emissions reduction targets. The SBTi also validated American Express’ near-term partner engagement target. Our updated targets now reflect a commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 in alignment with the SBTi and incorporate ongoing learnings about our emissions profile across the value chain and the relationship of those emissions to evolving science-based standards.¹

SBTi Validated Science Based Targets¹

Overall Net-Zero Target:

American Express Company commits to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain by 2050.

Near-Term Targets:

Reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 60% by 2033 from a 2019 base year.
Reduce absolute Scope 3 emissions 35% by 2033 from a 2019 base year.
75% of Membership Rewards redemption partners and cobrand partners by emissions covering beyond the minimum boundary emissions from purchased goods and services have science-based targets by 2028.

Long-Term Targets:

Reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 90% by 2050 from a 2019 base year and absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions 90% within the same timeframe.

¹The emissions included in our SBTi-validated targets are determined in accordance with the SBTI’s minimum target boundaries as provided in their Corporate Net-Zero Standard, which, among other things, generally cover 95% of Scope 1 and 2 emissions for both near- and long-term targets, and 67% and 90% of Scope 3 emissions for near- and long-term targets, respectively. Scope 3 emissions reflected in our net-zero and Scope 3 emissions reductions targets include those emissions from purchased goods and services, capital goods, fuel and energy-related activities, waste generated in operations, employee business travel, employee commuting, and investments. Emissions related to goods or services provided by third parties in connection with the Membership Rewards program and cobrand cards are addressed separately through our near-term partner engagement target rather than as part of our net-zero and Scope 3 emissions reduction targets. Our near-term partner engagement target – that partners representing 75% of these Membership Rewards and cobrand card-related emissions have science-based targets by 2028 – reflects emissions that are outside of SBTi’s minimum boundary for Scope 3, Category 1 (purchased goods and services) emissions. Emissions with partners that are included within SBTi’s minimum boundary for Scope 3, Category 1, are included in our net-zero and Scope 3 emissions reduction targets. Refer to SBTi’s Corporate Net-Zero Standard for more information regarding SBTi’s minimum boundaries.

Information regarding our net-zero target and near-term and long-term targets are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are subject to risks and uncertainties. You should refer to American Express' ESG Reports and reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for information regarding uncertainties and other risks that may cause American Express' actual results to differ materially from those described in any forward-looking statements.