- Microsoft's greenhouse gas emissions increased by about 25% last year, driven largely by the expansion of data center infrastructure.
- Similar emission increases were reported by Google (18%) and Amazon (16%), highlighting a trend of rising tech company emissions.
- Scope 2 emissions, from purchased energy, accounted for 13% of Microsoft's total increase.
- Microsoft matched 100% of electricity consumption with carbon-free sources but has made recent deals involving gas-powered data centers.
- Partnerships with Chevron and other projects could emit millions of tons of CO2 annually.
- Microsoft stopped purchasing unbundled renewable energy certificates to avoid greenwashing, prioritizing investments in new clean electricity.
- Despite emissions rise and AI investments, Microsoft aims to be carbon negative by 2030.