eBay Releases Climate Transition Plan, Targets Net Zero by 2045

eBay has released its first Climate Transition Plan, outlining how the company will reduce greenhouse gas emissions across its operations and value chain and reach net-zero emissions by 2045, with targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The plan sets near-term and long-term milestones aligned with climate science and the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal, while embedding climate action into corporate governance, risk management and financial planning.

“At eBay, we believe the future of commerce and the future of our planet are deeply connected. Building on our recommerce legacy, our Climate Transition Plan showcases how we will achieve net-zero emissions by 2045 while supporting a low-carbon economy. It reflects eBay’s long-standing commitment to climate resiliency, creating enduring value for our customers and community,” said Renee Morin, Chief Sustainability Officer, eBay.   

The roadmap identifies climate risks and business opportunities linked to rising demand for resale and sustainable shopping, and centers on sustainable commerce, emissions reductions, governance integration and value chain collaboration. eBay said its circular marketplace model, based on resale and reuse, helps extend product life and reduce waste while supporting business growth tied to consumer demand for recommerce.

The company committed to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2045, targeting a 90% absolute emissions reduction from a 2019 baseline and the use of durable carbon removals for residual emissions. Interim targets for 2030 include cutting absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 90% versus 2019 and reducing Scope 3 emissions from downstream transportation and distribution by 27.5%.

eBay reported it has already reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 92% compared with 2019 and achieved 100% renewable electricity across offices, data centers and authentication centers in 2024, ahead of its prior target. Downstream transportation and distribution emissions have declined 21% from 2019 levels, moving toward the 2030 goal. The company tracks climate performance through frameworks, including the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures and participates in CDP reporting.

Scope 3 emissions remain the largest challenge, with shipping accounting for about 84% of that footprint. Morin told Reuters the company is working with logistics partners to expand lower-carbon delivery options. “We are collaborating with carriers who offer local pickup or switching from planes to trucks with some of our vendors. We have to be creative to achieve our goals,” she said.

Beyond operational measures, eBay links its climate strategy to broader sustainability initiatives tied to circular economy activity on its platform. In 2024, recommerce transactions on eBay generated about US$5 billion (MX$86 billion) in positive economic impact, helped avoid 1.6 million t of carbon emissions and prevented 70,000Mt of waste, according to company data. eBay said it plans to expand renewable energy use, support low-carbon logistics innovation and encourage buyers and sellers to choose resale and reuse options.

The SBTi validation places eBay among technology and e-commerce companies with science-based net-zero targets. Peers, including Amazon and Alibaba, have also announced long-term climate commitments, though with different timelines and scopes. eBay said its transition plan is designed to align environmental targets with business performance and stakeholder value as it scales its marketplace under a lower-carbon model.