Tell Microsoft: Choose Renewables Over Offsets

Microsoft has built a reputation as a climate leader. But reports that the company is pausing new purchases of carbon removal credits raise urgent questions about how it plans to meet its climate commitments.

Carbon removal may sound like a solution—and it can be part of one—but it cannot replace cutting pollution at the source. Scientists and advocates increasingly warn that overreliance on carbon credits risks delaying the real emissions reductions needed to confront the climate crisis.

At the same time, Microsoft’s emissions are rising—driven in large part by the rapid expansion of energy-hungry data centers powering AI and cloud computing. That makes this moment a turning point and an opportunity for Microsoft to lead with action.

If Microsoft is stepping back from carbon removal purchases, it must step forward on real, urgently-needed climate action.

That means investing far more aggressively in renewable energy to power its operations—especially its growing network of data centers. Wind, solar, and other clean energy sources can directly cut emissions today, while supporting healthier communities and a more stable climate.

New research makes clear that carbon capture and removal is not just less effective—it’s far more expensive than investing in real climate solutions. A recent study found that relying on carbon capture could cost 9 to 12 times more than transitioning to 100% renewable energy, while delivering fewer benefits for public health and the climate. 

Investing in renewable energy can cut energy demand, lower costs for families, and deliver immediate emissions reductions, making it the smarter and more responsible path forward.

Microsoft has the resources and influence to lead. But leadership means prioritizing real solutions—not accounting mechanisms that allow pollution to continue.

Sign the petition to call on Microsoft to:

∙ Commit to powering its global operations with 100% renewable energy, 24/7

∙ Rapidly expand clean energy use across all data centers and facilities

∙ Invest in new renewable energy projects in frontline and impacted communities

∙ Increase transparency around emissions, energy use, and climate progress

∙ Prioritize direct emissions reductions over reliance on carbon removal credits

The climate crisis demands urgent, measurable action. There is no substitute for cutting fossil fuel use and transitioning to clean energy now.

Microsoft helped shape the modern world. Now it must help protect it.

Please sign the petition to tell Microsoft: the future must be powered by renewable energy—not offsets.

The petition to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella reads: Microsoft must seize this moment to lead with real climate action by rapidly scaling renewable energy across its operations and data centers. Rather than relying on carbon removal credits, the company should prioritize cutting emissions at the source and investing in clean energy solutions that deliver immediate, lasting impact.
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Sources:

Environment America | New Study Finds Carbon Capture Ineffective and Costly Compared to Investing in Renewable Energy | https://environmentamerica.org/center/updates/new-study-finds-carbon-capture-ineffective-and-costly-compared-to-investing-in-renewable-energy/

Heatmap | Microsoft Pauses Carbon Removal Purchases | https://heatmap.news/carbon-removal/microsoft-carbon-removal-pause

Data Center Dynamics | Microsoft emissions up 23% since 2020, blames AI data centers | https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/microsoft-emissions-up-23-since-2020-blames-ai-data-centers/

Sustainability Magazine | How AI’s rise changed Microsoft’s sustainability strategy | https://sustainabilitymag.com/articles/how-ais-rise-changed-microsofts-sustainability-strategy