Protesters confront Microsoft CSO over carbon goals and AI, disrupting climate event

Microsoft faced public backlash at Pacific Northwest Climate Week over the climate impact of its AI buildout. Protesters disrupted a fireside chat with Chief Sustainability Officer Melanie Nakagawa, criticizing the company’s use of fossil-fuel-powered energy for data centers and its broader AI strategy. The article highlights mounting tension between Microsoft’s long-standing environmental leadership image and the rising emissions associated with rapid AI growth. Microsoft said its carbon footprint rose 25% last year, moving it further from its 2030 carbon-negative target. The company also defended a 2.7 GW natural gas deal in Texas with Chevron by citing 4.7 GW of renewable energy supported in the state. The story suggests reputational and policy risk for Microsoft as it faces pressure from activists and regulators to improve transparency, emissions performance, and data-center energy sourcing.