Amazon Emissions Rise Despite Renewable Energy Gains

Amazon's carbon emissions rose by 6% in 2024 to 68.25 million metric tons, ending a two-year period of declines as the company expanded AI operations and constructed more data centers. This increase mirrors trends at other tech giants like Microsoft and Google, who are also grappling with the emissions impact of AI-driven infrastructure growth. Despite a 4% reduction in carbon intensity and Amazon reaching its 100% renewable energy matching goal ahead of schedule, the largest share of its emissions now comes from indirect sources such as data center construction and third-party delivery providers. Amazon has invested in nuclear energy and expanded its electric delivery fleet in pursuit of its 2040 net-zero emissions target. Critics argue that Amazon's progress is insufficient given rising total emissions and that certain sources are excluded from the company's emissions reporting. The company continues to face challenges balancing growth, sustainability, and the carbon footprint of AI expansion.