New research shows that Big Tech companies are investing in carbon credits to offset emissions generated by artificial intelligence (AI).
Amazon, Google, Meta and Microsoft have all increased their purchases of permanent carbon credits since ChatGPT launched the AI race in 2022, according to data compiled for CNBC by carbon credit management platform Ceezer.
This comes as the companies commit to a net-zero emissions target.
Questions have been raised over whether this will be possible, as the rapid development of energy and water-intensive AI continues.
The credits allow them to offset emissions by funding other projects that reduce emissions, such as technologies that remove carbon from the atmosphere.
Each carbon credit represents a metric ton of carbon dioxide reduced or removed from the atmosphere.
Amazon, Alphabet, Microsoft, and Meta are estimated to spend a combined US$700 billion to fuel their AI ambitions this year, which involves massive data centres that contribute to higher emissions.
Credits for permanent carbon removal from these companies have surged from 14,200 in 2022 to 11.92 million in 2023, based on available market data from Ceezer.
Ceezer also analysed information from carbon market data insights providers Allied Offset and Cdr.fyi, which rose 104% year-over0year in 2024 to 24.4 million and 181% to 68.4 million in 2025.
Microsoft reported a 247% rise in credit purchases between fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2023, and then a further 337% rise in 2024, making it one of the biggest buyers of carbon credits.
Many of the companies are also investing in renewable energy, like wind and solar, and looking to increase the energy efficiency of their of the components of their data centres.
In February 2025, Amazon declared it was the "top corporate purchaser of renewable energy in Europe".
Data from MSCI Carbon markets also suggests that the global credit market could be worth over $30 billion by 2030.
