Tech Giants Race to Zero Carbon Emissions

Tech giants Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon are locked in a battle to reduce their carbon pollution. Apple has made significant progress, reporting a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2015. The company aims to eliminate at least 75% of its emissions by 2030.

Many companies have successfully reduced their own carbon footprint, thanks to affordable renewable energy and storage solutions. However, the largest tech giants face a tougher challenge: eliminating Scope 3 emissions, which include those from suppliers and customers. Apple has taken steps in this area, such as buying renewable power on behalf of its customers.

The company’s semiconductor business is a significant contributor to its carbon footprint. To address this, Apple has been working with suppliers to reduce fluorinated greenhouse gas emissions, with 26 companies pledging to cut emissions by at least 90%. The goal is to eliminate nearly all emissions, with the remaining 25% offset through carbon-removal programs.

Microsoft and Amazon are also tackling Scope 3 emissions, but using different approaches. Microsoft is investing in direct air capture technology, while Apple has opted for nature-based solutions like reforestation. With five years remaining to meet their targets, the tech giants are racing to see who can achieve zero carbon emissions first.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/16/apple-races-to-surpass-rivals-in-quest-to-eliminate-carbon-pollution