Amazon’s carbon emissions rose 16% in 2025 amid data center boom

Amazon’s carbon footprint grew by 16% in 2025, driven by the company’s aggressive buildout of data centers to meet surging demand for artificial intelligence services. The increase marks a sharp acceleration from the 6% rise the company reported in 2024, when emissions hit 68.25 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent.

That 2024 figure was already a reversal of three consecutive years of declining emissions.

The AI infrastructure problem

Amazon’s data centers withdrew 2.5 billion gallons of water in 2025. Water usage at directly owned sites actually decreased by 2% despite expanding operations, and efficiency improved to 0.03 gallons per kWh consumed.

Amazon has earmarked approximately $150 billion for data center investments over the next 15 years. The two primary drivers of Amazon’s emissions growth have been data center construction and fuel consumption from its massive delivery fleet.

Climate goals meet corporate reality

Amazon has maintained its commitment to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 as part of its Climate Pledge. The company also achieved its goal of matching 100% of its electricity use with renewable energy purchases ahead of schedule.

In 2023, emissions sat at 64.38 million metric tons. By 2024, they climbed to 68.25 million. A 16% jump in 2025 would push the total well north of 79 million metric tons, assuming the 2024 baseline holds.

Shareholders have noticed the contradiction. In 2025, resolutions were filed demanding more detailed disclosures about Amazon’s climate strategy amid the company’s $150 billion data center investment plan.

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