Amazon Emissions Rise 16 Percent as AI Growth Challenges Net‑Zero Pledge

Amazon reports a 16 percent jump in carbon emissions from its expanding AI infrastructure, despite its net‑zero pledge, according to sustainability data. The rise reflects higher power use in data centers running generative AI services.

Microsoft disclosed its AI buildout lifted corporate carbon output 25 percent last year, showing the energy intensity of training large language models. The firm will offset emissions through renewable purchases and efficiency upgrades at its data farms.

China drives much of the global AI‑related carbon rise, with rapid AI service rollout and large data centers adding significantly to emissions. Analysts warn that without stricter energy policies, China's AI growth could undo emission cuts elsewhere.

Industry observers say the AI boom forces new carbon accounting, urging firms to embed emissions tracking in AI development and invest in low‑carbon hardware. Regulators are weighing standards to limit the environmental impact of fast AI scaling.