Microsoft's latest environmental report shows the growing tension between its race to build AI infrastructure and its long-standing climate commitments. Why it matters: The report mirrors recent disclosures from Google and Amazon , whose emissions and resource use have also climbed alongside AI growth. Driving the news: Like its tech peers, Microsoft's environmental impact indicators largely continued moving upward. - Its total greenhouse gas emissions are up 25%, fueled by both its growth in digital infrastructure, especially AI, and changes to the company's electricity procurement strategy. - The company said a key measure of data-center water-use efficiency improved 25% from its 2022 baseline, putting it on track toward a goal of…
AI backlash is mounting. Executives are getting booed. Workers are threatening strikes, and protests are frustrating data center development — but that doesn't seem to worry investors who are raining money on companies in the business. Why it matters: AI hate could slow adoption of the technology, posing an underappreciated risk for investors buying into the current frenzy. The latest: Even SpaceX's prospectus — which is threaded with AI hype — warns that the backlash is a real threat: - "If AI technologies are perceived to be significantly disruptive to society, it could lead to governmental or regulatory restrictions or prohibitions on their use, societal concerns or unrest, or, both, any of which could materially and adversely…
If AI were a candidate for political office, it would be losing in a landslide. Why it matters: The AI hype cycle would have you believe the technology is inevitable. But AI backlash is growing, as people worry it will steal their jobs, jack up electricity rates and further enrich the wealthy, all while hurting the environment. State of play: A commencement address went viral this week after Florida real estate executive Gloria Caulfield said "artificial intelligence is the next Industrial Revolution," sparking a chorus of boos from the crowd. - The speaker could have avoided the jeers had she checked the latest polls: Only 18% of young people ages 14 to 29 say they feel hopeful about AI, according to a recent Gallup survey. - The…
Untangling the largest disruption in oil market history won't happen quickly or easily — and that means continued high prices and scarcity in major importing countries. Why it matters: A big thing to watch following the U.S.-Iran ceasefire deal is whether it gives tanker owners enough certainty to begin resumption of large-scale traffic of oil, petroleum products and other commodities through the Strait of Hormuz. The big picture: "Confidence-building measures in coming days are going to be key to restoring shipments," Joe Brusuelas, chief economist at the financial services and consulting firm RSM US, said in an interview. - He notes that insurance for the tankers will need to be reestablished, and that means figuring out the specific…
Meet the unlikely poster child for the AI boom and its insatiable energy demand. Why it matters: Bloom Energy, long seen as a niche energy player, can deliver on-site power far faster than traditional options — a critical edge as data centers race to secure electricity. Driving the news: Over the past year, Bloom Energy's stock has surged more than 400%, outpacing even AI bellwethers like Nvidia. State of play: Bloom Energy makes shipping container-sized fuel cell units that generate power with natural gas through a chemical reaction instead of combustion. - It has signed major deals with key players across the AI and energy landscape over the last year and a half. They include Oracle, utility AEP and Brookfield, a leading financier…