AI BOOM SEES TECH SECTOR CARBON EMISSIONS CLIMB | THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT - GAZETTE

What happened: Tech companies including Amazon, Microsoft, Google and Meta are driving carbon emissions sharply higher as they expand AI and cloud computing, building supersized gas-fired power plants to serve data centers. Key numbers: Amazon's carbon footprint reached 80.85 million metric tons last year, 58% larger Why it matters: The findings are sparking alarm among environmentalists, big insurance companies and investors. Climate experts warn the gas plants can lock in emissions for decades, and the companies say the surge is temporary and tied to future cleaner energy technologies.

Tech companies including Amazon, Microsoft, Google and Meta are driving carbon emissions sharply higher as they expand AI and cloud computing, building supersized gas-fired power plants to serve data centers.

The findings are sparking alarm among environmentalists, big insurance companies and investors. Climate experts warn the gas plants can lock in emissions for decades, and the companies say the surge is temporary and tied to future cleaner energy technologies.