MICROSOFT'S CARBON EMISSIONS SURGE 25% IN 2025

INDUSTRY DESK■ 1 MIN READ

FRI, JUL 10, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 4 SOURCES ▸ TIMELINE

Microsoft's carbon emissions jumped 25 percent last year to 34 million metric tons, according to the company's 2026 sustainability report. The increase threatens the tech giant's climate commitments.

The spike was driven primarily by expansion of Microsoft's datacenter infrastructure, which has grown to support artificial intelligence services and cloud computing demands. The company also contributed to the rise by ceasing purchases of "non-additional, unbundled renewable energy" in February 2024. Microsoft had previously relied on these purchases to offset emissions. The 2026 sustainability report, obtained by GeekWire, does not specify whether interventions have since reduced the 34 million metric ton figure. Microsoft committed in 2020 to becoming carbon negative by 2030, a goal that requires cutting emissions in half by that date. The company has not yet released an official statement addressing the emissions increase or its plans to realign with climate targets.

■ SOURCES

► Bleeping Computer ► The Verge ► Engadget ► Wired

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MICROSOFT'S CARBON EMISSIONS SURGE 25% IN 2025

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