AI datacentres push big tech emissions toward France's level
Microsoft, Amazon and Google reported 119 million metric tons CO2e for the year ending March 2026—about a third of France's emissions—driven by rapid datacentre construction for AI and cloud services, up from roughly 101 million the prior year. Microsoft emissions rose 25% to about 20 million metric tons CO2e, Google 18% (helped by supply-chain factors), and Amazon 16% overall (20% in its supply chain), though all three still target net-zero by 2030–2040. Industry forecasts warn datacentre expansion could consume around 1.3% of global electricity, with about 1,200 new datacentres planned by 2030, mainly in the US, underscoring a shift of digital emissions to infrastructure.
- Datacentres drive up big tech’s carbon emissions to a third of those of France The Guardian
- Microsoft Reports a Massive 25 Percent Jump in Emissions WIRED
- Microsoft adjusts climate agenda as emissions leap Trellis Group (formerly GreenBiz)
- AI is blowing up Microsoft’s emissions, causing a 25% spike in its latest report Windows Central
- Responsibly building the AI future The Official Microsoft Blog
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