Science tells us the next 10 years will be the defining decade for dramatic emissions reductions to limit the worst impacts of climate change.
We are committed to tackling this urgent issue through our global operations, value chain and beyond.
Reducing our GHG emissions
In 2021, we announced our goal to expand our net zero goal to include our value chain in 2030.
Our climate program is aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and guided by the latest science on what is necessary to transition to a zero-carbon future. We will continue to reduce our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions in line with climate science by increasing the efficiency of our operations and maintaining 100% renewable energy.
In 2020, we achieved net zero GHG emissions in our direct operations (Scopes 1 and 2) by reducing our emissions by 94% compared to 2017 levels.
Supporting carbon removal projects
Recognizing that some of our emissions will be very difficult to reduce by 2030, we will support projects that remove carbon equivalent to the emissions we are not able to reduce by then. Our carbon removal projects are verified by a third party, prevent adverse impacts and prioritize climate justice and equity.
In 2021, we supported carbon removal projects in Kenya and Mexico that represent more than 200,000 tons of carbon sequestration via forests and soil.
Going forward our contribution to the Frontier advance market commitment will help catalyze a market for technological carbon removal credits and unlock the opportunity to learn from global scientific leaders on emerging carbon removal technologies.
Photo courtesy of TIST
Tackling climate misinformation
It is estimated that nearly 2 billion adults know little to nothing about climate change. At the same time, misinformation about climate change continues to spread both online and offline.
This reality led to the creation of the Climate Science Center (CSC) in 2020. The CSC increases access to science-based and dynamic climate information to drive awareness and inspire more people to take action. We work with the world’s leading climate science organizations to ensure that the information we feature is timely and accurate.
In 2023, we expanded the CSC reach to 243 countries and territories. We’ve also added a Climate InfoFinder and Climate Science Literacy Campaign to our suite of tools, such as fact checking and labels, to help combat climate misinformation.
Meta has joined with the National Indian Carbon Coalition to develop carbon removal projects on tribal lands that protect and restore forests through Indigenous leadership and traditional ecological knowledge. The pledge is part of Meta’s net zero commitment to secure high-quality carbon removal credits. Learn more about our pledge at 1T.org.
Meta’s 2021 carbon footprint
5.7M metric tons of CO2e
Scope 3 GHG emissions (metric tons CO2e)
We applied 90,000 tons of carbon removal credits to our 2021 emissions to cover our residual operational emissions.
GHG accounting
We disclose our GHG emissions annually and are committed to increasing transparency around our impact. Our GHG footprint includes the emissions associated with running our business and data centers, as well as the indirect emissions created upstream from our operations and downstream in our products. Our emissions are calculated based on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and are verified by a third party. We will continue reporting and updating our emissions boundaries as our business grows on our path to net zero emissions.
2021 Sustainability Report
We envision a just and equitable transition to a zero-carbon economy and are working to scale inclusive solutions that help create a healthier planet for all.