Microsoft role in fossil fuel expansion despite …

Microsoft role in fossil fuel expansion despite climate pledge spurred me to leave the tech giant

A climate activist and plant-powered mountain athlete from Seattle resigned from Microsoft due to a conflict between the company s public environmental sustainability stance and its partnership with the oil and gas industry, which was increasing global emissions. The activist, who had been part of Microsoft s sustainability programs, felt that internal pressure was insufficient to change the company s incentives. Microsoft, despite its strong public commitment to sustainability, is the largest cloud provider of advanced technology to the fossil fuel industry, contributing to increased emissions. The company s technology, including AI, has the potential to increase fossil fuel yield by 15%, which could delay the global transition to renewable energy. The activist argues that Microsoft should align its AI policies with broader global climate aims, conduct impact audits, disclose climate risks, and shift revenue to renewable energy. They believe that relying on fossil fuel companies to lead the clean-energy transition is risky, as their interests remain tied to high-carbon activities. The activist calls for transparency from Microsoft about its progress and challenges in addressing the environmental impact of its technology. The activist s recommendations were presented to Microsoft leadership, who agreed with the suggestions but failed to implement them. The activist believes that Microsoft, and the tech industry at large, must take responsibility for the emissions enabled by their technology and lead the way toward a truly sustainable future. Microsoft had no comment when contacted by Fortune.

Source: fortune.com
Published on 2024-09-17

Maxx Orthopedics , in Partnership with Invibio Biomaterial Solutions , Secures US IDE Approval for PEEK - OPTIMA™ Total Knee Arthroplasty Study »

Greenwashing

Related news