Datacentres drive up carbon emissions of Microsoft, Amazon and Google to a third of those of France

Major tech companies including Microsoft, Amazon, and Google have seen a significant rise in carbon emissions, largely attributed to the infrastructure demands of AI and cloud computing. Critics argue that these companies' sustainability claims are undermined by the environmental impact of their expanding data center footprints.
Why it matters
Highlights the tension between the rapid growth of AI technology and corporate commitments to environmental sustainability.
Inside a Microsoft datacentre. The company’s carbon emissions rose by 25 % over the past year to 20m TCO₂e. Inside a Microsoft datacentre. The company’s carbon emissions rose by 25 % over the past year to 20m TCO₂e. Datacenters Datacentres drive up big tech’s carbon emissions to a third of those of France Microsoft, Amazon and Google say they still aim to achieve net zero output despite construction boom
The article focuses on the environmental critique of big tech and includes quotes from academics skeptical of corporate sustainability marketing.
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