As the world faces an urgent need to combat climate change, efforts to meet global climate targets now include removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at scale. Microsoft is at the forefront of these efforts, accelerating the development of innovative carbon dioxide removal (CDR) projects across the globe.
Scaling Carbon Removal with Global Partnerships
In 2025, Microsoft took a significant step in its sustainability mission by securing agreements to remove 45 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide through partnerships with 21 global companies. This is a major leap forward, doubling the volume of carbon removal contracted in the previous year. The equivalent of taking nearly 10 million cars off the road, these efforts highlight Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to carbon removal and its goal of becoming carbon negative by 2030.
Diverse Approaches to Carbon Capture
Microsoft’s approach to carbon removal spans both nature-based and engineered solutions. These include projects that use advanced technologies and natural processes to capture and store carbon in various environments—from soil and forests to oceans and geological formations. For example, the company supports initiatives like Lithos Carbon’s enhanced rock weathering and Exomad Green’s biochar production, which offer promising avenues to reduce atmospheric carbon.
Additionally, projects like the Stockholm Exergi bioenergy plant in Sweden and the re.green reforestation initiative in Brazil play key roles in capturing carbon through sustainable methods. These collaborations not only remove carbon from the atmosphere but also support local economies and ecosystems, helping to restore balance to the environment.
Measuring Success: Microsoft’s Rigorous Due Diligence
Ensuring the effectiveness of carbon removal projects requires rigorous measurement and monitoring. Microsoft works closely with its partners to ensure transparency and verify that each project adheres to the highest standards. The company’s carbon removal credits are independently audited to guarantee that they meet global standards, with the aim of ensuring that every metric tonne removed from the atmosphere is genuine and permanent.
Why Carbon Removal Matters for the Future
While reducing emissions at the source remains the most effective way to fight climate change, carbon removal provides a vital solution for addressing the remaining emissions that cannot be avoided. Microsoft’s commitment to investing in carbon removal technologies ensures that it continues to play a pivotal role in advancing global sustainability efforts.
As the world moves closer to meeting its climate goals, Microsoft’s focus on carbon removal serves as a model for other companies looking to reduce their environmental impact. With continued investment in groundbreaking solutions and global partnerships, Microsoft is setting a standard for how businesses can help mitigate climate change and drive meaningful progress towards a more sustainable future.
