Microsoft’s commitment to combatting climate change gets a boost from genAI

Microsoft has long been committed to combating climate change, investing significant resources in this endeavor. In early 2020, Microsoft President and Vice Chair ⁢Brad Smith pledged $1 billion to achieve carbon-negative⁢ status by 2030.

Smith ⁤made it clear that Microsoft would not resort to deceptive⁣ practices like emitting carbon into the ‍atmosphere and then purchasing offsets like tree planting in rainforests. This approach is often criticized as “greenwashing,” allowing companies to appear environmentally friendly without making substantial progress.

An investigation revealed that ‍a majority of rainforest carbon offsets from the largest certifier were deemed ineffective, highlighting the importance of genuine efforts in climate ‍action.

Credit goes‍ to Microsoft for acknowledging these issues and taking concrete steps towards their goal without relying on questionable tactics.

However, with‌ the introduction of energy-intensive generative AI (genAI), Microsoft’s focus on sustainability seemed to⁢ waver. The company’s increased water usage for cooling AI data centers and⁢ plans to reopen Three Mile Island, known for a major nuclear disaster, raised concerns about its commitment to environmental responsibility.

2024-09-29 21:15:03
Source‌ from www.computerworld.com