For decades, new government policies and activism have helped us make big strides in environmental protection. However, the world continues to see higher temperatures, leading to severe weather events, flooding, drought, wildfires, and more. But what environmental challenges should we focus on moving forward to ensure we’re heading in the right direction to slow, stop, or even reverse climate change?
Below, we review the biggest environmental problems of 2024 and beyond to help you understand what areas we must focus on to reach our climate goals.
What Will Be the Biggest Environmental Problems of 2024?
The U.S. and the entire world face many immediate environmental issues, but some are more pressing and time-sensitive than others. Let’s review the six biggest environmental issues the U.S. faces as we near 2024.
1. Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuels, whether oil, natural gas, or coal, remain a critical environmental issue as we near 2024. Burning these fuels for energy — powering a vehicle or generating electricity — is the leading cause of climate change, as it makes up over 75% of the greenhouse gas emissions (GHG emissions) worldwide and 90% of all carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. If we’re looking to slow global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, we must halve our fossil fuel emissions by 2033.
The need to cut our fossil fuel emissions within a decade makes limiting our reliance on fossil fuels the most pressing environmental issue the U.S. faces in 2024. Doing this requires help from several industries and consumers, as a large portion of fossil fuel emissions come from both transportation and power generation.
Automakers must continue pushing for green vehicle development, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, electric vehicles, and other alternative fuels, and consumers must be willing to adopt this technology.
But also, the power-generation industry must continue moving away from gas-, coal-, and oil-fired power plants and switch to green and renewable energy generation, such as hydropower, wind, and solar. Consumers can also do their part by switching to providers offering green options, if available, and even take matters into their own hands by installing solar panels on their homes.
2. Deforestation
The U.S. population continues to grow annually, and the more it grows, the land use to build houses, roads, and other structures increases. Building these structures often results in deforestation. This urbanization of forested land has several serious consequences.
First, trees are carbon sinks, meaning they absorb carbon from the air. Once we cut them down, we eliminate that absorption. And with CO2 emissions being a huge contributor to global warming, we can’t risk eliminating these carbon-absorbing natural resources.
Second, urbanizing forested land impacts wildlife and their habitats and ecosystems, resulting in biodiversity loss and displacement, which can eventually threaten the very existence of certain species.
3. Air Quality
The air quality in the U.S. has improved over the years. From 2021 to 2022, air pollution was lower in eight of every 10 cities, according to NBC News research. What’s more, these clean air improvements span back to 1980, so we’ve been on the right track for over 40 years. However, now’s not the time to take the foot off the accelerator, as it’s easy to go backward.
Various industries need to continue finding ways to limit their emissions. Automakers must continue finding ways to limit the pollutants their vehicles emit. And most of all, consumers must continue pushing industries to make changes by supporting those who’ve made the efforts. Consumers must also be willing to adopt new, reduced-emission transportation and other emission-reducing technology as it becomes available in 2024 and beyond.
4. Drinking Water
Drinking water is often taken for granted in the U.S., but recent water-contamination crises in Mississippi, Michigan, Maryland, and Hawaii show that this issue can affect us too. Some of this is the result of old pipes and aging infrastructure, but it also has a lot to do with climate change.
Climate change has resulted in extreme weather conditions that can result in severe flooding that puts added strain on aging drinking water infrastructures. And should this rainwater infiltrate the drinking water supply, it could bring pollutants and toxins along with it, making the freshwater undrinkable.
5. Waste
As the U.S. population grows, so does its consumption. And the more consumption we have, the more waste we produce. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American creates 4.9 pounds of solid waste daily. While some of this waste goes to recycling, composting, or is burned for energy production, 50% of it — 146 million tons annually — heads to landfills.
When this waste is in landfills, it doesn’t just decompose and disappear. Instead, as it decomposes, it releases methane, which is 80 times worse than CO2 when contributing to climate change because it traps significantly more heat.
Making matters worse, not all this trash ends up in landfills. Much of it, including plastic waste, ends up in the oceans. This plastic pollution can severely impact marine ecosystems and animals.
To help with this, companies must rethink their packaging, using recyclables or reusable packaging where possible. Consumers should try to support those companies making an effort to reduce wasteful packaging as well as reuse and recycle packaging when possible.
6. Natural Resources
As our population grows, so does our demand for natural resources. If our demand exceeds the supply, we risk natural resource depletion, which is when we consume them faster than they are replaced. An example of natural resource depletion would be removing fish from the ocean for food at a rate that exceeds their breeding rate. And this can apply to any natural resource, whether it’s renewable or not, including water, fossil fuels, trees, and more.
Natural resource depletion can lead to many issues, including water shortages, oil shortages, loss of forested lands, mineral depletion, and even species extinction.
Through policies limiting resource use, we can help ensure plenty of natural resources are available for future generations. Also, we can use technology to find new and renewable resources to replace more limited natural resources.
What Will Be the Biggest Environmental Problem in the Future?
While future generations will likely have plenty of environmental problems to tackle, one stands head and shoulders above all others. That’s climate change. A whopping 97% of science papers agree that human activities have led to the climate crisis known as global warming.
Global warming and climate change are about more than just warmer temperatures. They can cause other serious issues, including rising ocean levels impacting coastal cities and states; dramatic climate events, such as long droughts or massive flooding; and the extinction of certain species. This is why it’s so critical to get the problem under control.
All that said, slowing and reversing climate change isn’t something that’ll happen quickly. It will take many years of incremental improvement before we reach our goals.
We have pieces of the puzzle in place, such as the Paris Agreement, a United Nations pact to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius annually through emissions reductions and to eventually attain net-zero emissions, among other climate-focused initiatives. Thus far, the Paris Agreement has been a mixture of successes and failures, but it is just one piece of a large puzzle to slow and stop climate change.
What Are the Facts About Climate Change in 2023?
Burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and unsustainable power generation are some of the biggest environmental issues facing us in the future. But these all point back to one critical result, the need to slow and ideally reverse climate change through aggressive climate action, such as clean energy.
As mentioned earlier, climate change is the biggest environmental problem of 2024 and beyond, so let’s review some of the facts about climate change as of 2023.
2023 Is Likely to Be One of the Warmest Years Ever
According to the National Centers for Environmental Information outlook, 2023 has a 99% chance of being one of the 10 warmest years on record. There’s also an 89% chance it’ll be one of the five-warmest years on record.
And through May 2023, this prediction has proven true, as it’s been the fourth-warmest year ever. May was particularly warm, ringing in as the third-warmest May on record.
The Water Cycle Is Intensifying
A rising global climate is also bringing about more intense water cycles. This increases the risk and severity of sudden flooding and long droughts. Experts anticipate increased rainfall in higher latitudes and decreased rainfall in the subtropics.
Sea Ice Is Hitting Record Lows
Sea ice — a key indicator in global warming — has hit extreme lows in 2023. This year, the Arctic sea ice extent reached its third-lowest level recorded in January 2023 at 5.15 million square miles. That is roughly 243,000 square miles less than the average between 1991 and 2000.
The Antarctic ice extent was even worse, checking in at 1.25 million square miles in January, 700,000 square miles less than the 1991 to 2000 average and a new record low.
This melting sea ice contributes to rising sea levels, which can lead to even more severe coastal flooding.
Oceans Are Warming and Becoming More Acidic
As global temperatures rise, so does the temperature of our oceans. Ocean water expands as it warms, compounding the coastal flooding mentioned earlier. Also, the ocean can absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, but this results in the ocean becoming more acidic, threatening sensitive marine species and damaging key ecological settings, such as coral reefs.
You Can Do Your Part to Impact the Biggest Environmental Problems of 2024
One of the biggest environmental problems of 2024 is climate change fueled by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. Fortunately, you can do your part to reduce your carbon footprint and help slow climate change.
One step you can take is to offset some of your carbon footprint by purchasing voluntary carbon credits. These carbon credits help fund green projects that reduce emissions. Not sure where to start? Check out Terrapass’s wide selection of voluntary carbon credits. You can then choose the one that suits you and know you’re helping push us in the right direction.
Brought to you by terrapass.com
The post What Will Be the 6 Biggest Environmental Problems of 2024? appeared first on Terrapass.
Uranium Energy Corp (UEC) is making big strides in the uranium industry. With strong financial results, strategic acquisitions, and a growing focus on sustainability, the company is positioning itself as a leader in clean energy.
In the second quarter of the fiscal year 2025, UEC reported impressive revenue, expanded its domestic uranium production, and strengthened its commitment to net-zero emissions. Here’s a closer look at how UEC is shaping the future of nuclear energy.
Strong Financials Fuel UEC’s Growth
UEC generated a revenue of $49.8 million from selling 600,000 pounds of U₃O₈ (uranium ore concentrate) at an average price of $82.92 per pound. This resulted in a gross profit of $18.2 million.
Additionally, UEC maintained an inventory of 1,356,000 pounds of U₃O₈, valued at $97.3 million based on current market prices. The uranium company has strong liquidity, holding $214 million in liquid assets and no debt. This positions the company well for future growth and stability in operations.
The company’s President and CEO remarked on their financial results, saying:
“This quarter, UEC achieved significant milestones in production ramp-up, acquisitions, sales and construction across our project pipeline…Financial strength remains a cornerstone of our growth strategy, with over $214 million(4) in liquid assets and zero debt as of January 31, 2025. Our strong balance sheet, combined with the low capital intensity of ISR operations, provides the capability to accelerate production growth in a rapidly tightening uranium market.”
UEC is boosting U.S. uranium production through the following initiatives:
Christensen Ranch and Irigaray Processing Plant. UEC has restarted the Christensen Ranch In-Situ Recovery (ISR) Mine. It’s located in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin. Uranium-loaded resin is now on the way from the Christensen Ranch Satellite Plant to the Irigaray Central Processing Plant. This plant can produce 4.0 million pounds of U₃O₈ each year.
Burke Hollow ISR Mine is growing in Texas. Right now, 32 workers are on the job. This expansion aligns with UEC’s strategy to enhance domestic uranium production.
UEC bought Rio Tinto’s Wyoming uranium assets. This includes the Sweetwater Plant, which can process 3,000 tons per day. It has a licensed capacity of 4.1 million pounds of U₃O₈ each year. This acquisition strengthens UEC’s position in the uranium market.
Roughrider Project. UEC’s Roughrider Project in Saskatchewan, Canada, shows great economic promise. The project is among the lowest 15% in global production costs.
In addition to its robust financial performance, UEC is positioned to benefit from the growing interest in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which offer significant advantages over traditional large-scale nuclear plants. SMRs are smaller, scalable, and faster to build, making them ideal for flexible power generation. They require less capital upfront, have shorter construction times, and can be strategically located near electricity demand centers, reducing transmission losses and infrastructure costs.
Several countries, including Canada and the United States, are actively investing in SMR technology, aiming to expand clean energy capacity and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. As a key uranium supplier, UEC will play a crucial role in providing the necessary fuel for these reactors, supporting a stable energy transition and enabling countries to meet ambitious climate goals.
Net-Zero Uranium: UEC’s Sustainability Roadmap
The demand for uranium is outpacing primary production, with a 1-billion-pound supply gap projected by 2040, according to UEC. As 31+ countries pledge to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050, the push for uranium intensifies.
In the U.S., government policies favor domestic uranium production, banning Russian imports and funding nuclear technology. Additionally, big tech companies, driven by rising data center electricity demands, are turning to nuclear power for clean energy solutions.
UEC, as America’s largest uranium supplier, is positioned to benefit from this shift, ensuring a stable domestic supply amid increasing reliance on nuclear energy for net-zero goals (1.5C Pathway).
Commitment to Net-Zero and Emissions Reduction
Uranium Energy Corp is focused on achieving net-zero carbon emissions across its U.S. ISR operations. In 2023, the company remained CO₂ neutral from its operations for the second consecutive year. The company has also conducted a decarbonization study for its Texas ISR facilities to align with this goal.
UEC has expanded its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions measurements to cover all operational locations, ensuring comprehensive tracking of its environmental impact. A decarbonization strategy for its Wyoming facilities is also in progress.
- In 2023, the company reported total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 2,711.86 tCO₂e, with Wyoming contributing the most (1,475.23 tCO₂e). Scope 1 emissions totaled 1,343.77 tCO₂e, while Scope 2 reached 1,368.09 tCO₂e.
The company is also looking at new carbon-reduction technologies. This will help it cut down emissions even more.
Sustainable Mining Practices
UEC uses In-Situ Recovery (ISR) mining. This method is eco-friendly – it cuts down on surface disturbance and uses less water and energy. This approach avoids blasting and moving waste rock. So, it leads to lower emissions and less harm to the environment than traditional mining methods.
The ISR process greatly cuts greenhouse gas emissions. This is better than open-pit or underground mining. Traditional uranium mining methods release higher levels of CO₂ due to the heavy use of diesel-powered equipment and the need for extensive land excavation.
By using ISR technology, UEC is able to cut CO₂ emissions, making uranium extraction cleaner and more sustainable. The company is exploring alternative energy sources. It looks at solar and wind to power its mining operations, aiming to reduce carbon impact.
Carbon Offsets and Renewable Energy Investments
To further reduce its carbon footprint, Uranium Energy Corp has invested in carbon credits to offset emissions. In 2023, the company neutralized all its corporate emissions. This totaled 2,712 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e). They achieved this by buying carbon credits from the A-Gas Voluntary Emission Reduction Program in Texas.
This initiative helps prevent the release of used hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are significantly more damaging to the environment than CO₂. Supporting this program lets UEC reclaim and destroy harmful gases. This way, they don’t get released into the atmosphere.
In addition to carbon offsets, UEC has also invested in Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) for its Palangana ISR site in Texas. These certificates help create clean energy. This reduces the company’s dependence on fossil fuels.
UEC is committed to lowering its environmental impact. It does this by combining carbon offsetting with renewable energy purchases in its sustainability strategy. This approach supports responsible uranium production.
Nuclear Power’s Role in a Low-Carbon Future
UEC plays a key role in the transition to clean energy by supplying uranium for nuclear power, a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels. Nuclear energy supplies 55% of the U.S.’s carbon-free electricity. This cuts emissions like taking 107 million gas cars off the road each year.
The company is aligned with global net-zero commitments, including the COP28 pledge to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050. UEC has also begun evaluating a net-zero mine design for its Roughrider Project, further integrating sustainability into its operations.
Uranium Energy Corp’s strong financial performance, strategic acquisitions, and commitment to sustainability highlight its leadership in the uranium sector. UEC focuses on clean energy, cutting emissions, and responsible mining. This puts them in a strong position to help the world shift to a low-carbon future.
For real-time insights into uranium pricing, visit our Live Uranium Pricing page.
The post UEC Reports Stellar $49.8M Revenue as Net-Zero Uranium Strategy Gains Momentum appeared first on Carbon Credits.
The Large Energy Users Pledge was announced on March 12 at the CERAWeek energy conference in Houston, Texas. Big companies like Google, Amazon, and Meta have joined a pledge to triple nuclear energy use by 2050.
These tech giants have teamed up with Dow, Allseas, OSGE, and Occidental to push for more nuclear power. This is the first time major businesses outside the nuclear sector have publicly supported such a big nuclear expansion.
The pledge started in September 2023 and already has support from 31 countries, 14 major global banks, and 140 nuclear industry companies.
Nuclear Energy: A Reliable and Scalable Solution
Sama Bilbao y León, Director General of the World Nuclear Association (WNA), said,
“The unprecedented support announced today by some of the world’s most influential companies to at least triple global nuclear capacity by 2050 sends a clear signal to accelerate policy, finance and regulatory changes that enable the rapid expansion of nuclear power. The global shift towards more nuclear highlights this is the only way we’ll deliver the abundant firm clean energy required to power growth and innovation in technology, a host of other industries and the entire economy.”
The pledge highlights nuclear energy’s benefits like:
- Offering stable and reliable power 24/7.
- Not affected by weather conditions like wind or solar.
- Helps industries reduce costs and offers a steady supply of heat for factories and chemical plants.
Other notable companies who have also joined the nuclear pledge are Allseas, Bureau Veritas, Carbon3Energy, Clean Energy Buyers Alliance, Core Power, Dow, Fly Green Alliance, Lloyd’s Register, Occidental, OSGE, and Siemens Energy.
The WNA expects even more businesses to sign the pledge soon. Industries like maritime, aviation, chemicals, and hydrocarbons are showing more interest in nuclear energy.
Dow Energy & Climate Business Vice President Edward Stones said,
“Energy is the lifeblood of global manufacturing and therefore investing and expanding access to clean, reliable, cost-competitive nuclear energy is critical to industrial progress. Dow considers nuclear energy, especially the promising technology of advanced small modular nuclear, to be a long-term competitive source of safe, firm and clean energy.”
The Large Energy Users Pledge
The pledge highlights nuclear power’s role in energy security and economic growth. It calls for a stronger, more reliable energy system with nuclear alongside other clean energy sources.
Here’s a snapshot of the pledge.
Big energy users want to triple nuclear power by 2050 to meet rising energy needs and help economies grow. Their strategy also includes new reactors, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced designs.
How Is Nuclear Power Shaping Global Energy Consumption?
Nuclear energy has been a critical part of the world’s power supply for decades. Today, it provides about 10% of global electricity, with over 400 reactors operating in more than 30 countries.
Some countries, such as France, depend on nuclear power for over 70% of their electricity. The United States and China are also increasing their nuclear capacity. They want to rely less on fossil fuels.
Compared to fossil fuel plants, nuclear power plants operate at a higher capacity factor. This means they produce electricity more efficiently and consistently.
While coal and natural gas plants may run at about 50–60% capacity, nuclear plants often reach 90% or higher. This makes nuclear energy one of the most reliable sources of electricity in the world.
However, some countries are rethinking their nuclear investments. Germany, for example, closed its last nuclear plants in 2023. But now, rising energy costs and supply worries have sparked talks about restarting nuclear programs.
Why Tech Giants Want to Invest in Nuclear?
In 2023, nuclear power plants worldwide generated around 2,600 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity. As electricity demand continues to rise, countries are prioritizing nuclear energy as a reliable solution.
Countries such as the USA and China are leading nuclear expansion efforts, with multiple reactors under construction. It’s for the same reason that big companies like Google, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, and Oracle are making this shift toward nuclear to reach their net-zero goals.
Explaining further, the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) is driving up energy use in data centers. Right now, they make up about 2% to 3% of total U.S. power consumption. This number could reach 9% by 2030. This rise is putting pressure on current power systems. As a result, tech giants are looking for new energy sources to meet their increasing demands.
To tackle these challenges, they are looking at nuclear energy, especially small modular reactors. The SMRs can be placed near data centers, ensuring a steady energy supply and reducing environmental impact.
More significantly, one of the biggest advantages of nuclear power is that it is a low-carbon energy source. Unlike coal and natural gas, nuclear reactors do not produce greenhouse gas emissions during operation.
- According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), nuclear energy prevents over 2 billion metric tons of CO2 emissions annually. This makes nuclear power an essential tool in the fight against climate change.
Google’s SMR Investments
Google is looking at nuclear energy to help meet its 2030 net-zero emissions goal, says CEO Sundar Pichai. The company is investing in clean energy, including solar and small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs).
In 2023, Google’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reached 14.3 million tCO2e. This was a 13% increase from the previous year and a 48% jump from 2019. Emissions have been rising since 2020.
Thus, Google made a deal with Kairos Power in October 2025. They plan to build several SMRs to power AI data centers. The first reactor could be running this decade, depending on approvals. More reactors are expected by 2035. This move helps Google lower its carbon footprint while meeting the energy needs of its growing AI operations
Meta Bets on Nuclear for Reliable Clean Energy
Meta has been using 100% renewable energy for its global operations since 2020. Now, the company is exploring nuclear power to meet rising energy demands and support its AI and environmental goals.
Meta’s Urvi Parekh, Head of Global Energy, noted,
“As global economies expand, the need for a reliable, clean, and resilient energy supply is paramount. Nuclear energy, with its ability to provide continuous power, can help meet this rising demand. We’re excited to join alongside this multi-organisational effort with the Tripling Nuclear Pledge to reiterate our commitment to nuclear energy.”
On December 3, Meta announced plans to work with nuclear power developers. The company believes that nuclear energy provides a steady power supply unlike solar and wind energy, making it crucial for grid stability and AI workloads.
Since 2021, Meta has cut emissions by 16.4 million metric tons of CO2e through renewable energy. In 2023, its net emissions were 7.4 million metric tons.
In 2023 alone, the company’s renewable energy initiatives helped cut operational emissions by 5.1 MMTCO2e, while value chain emissions were reduced by 1.4 MMTCO2e. Thus, Meta is optimistic about hitting its net-zero target by adding nuclear energy to its clean energy portfolio.
Amazon’s SMR Strategy
Amazon is adding nuclear power to supply carbon-free energy to AWS data centers and is investing over $52 billion across three U.S. states as part of its massive data center expansion.
The company has signed three key deals to explore and build small modular reactors (SMRs). AWS CEO Matt Garman believes SMRs can provide scalable and reliable power for growing data needs.
In 2023, Amazon’s carbon footprint was nearly 69 million metric tons of CO2—lower than its 2021 peak but still significant.
AWS is working to reduce emissions, betting on SMRs. They hope nuclear could be a game changer, offering a sustainable energy source for the future.
Amazon Web Services’ Brandon Oyer, Head of Americas Energy and Water, said,
“Accelerating nuclear energy development will be critical to strengthening our nation’s security, meeting future energy demands, and addressing climate change. Amazon supports the World Nuclear Association’s pledge, and is proud to have invested more than USD1 billion over the last year in nuclear energy projects and technologies, which is part of our broader Climate Pledge commitment to be net-zero carbon by 2040.”
Global Investment in Nuclear Energy: 2050 Forecast
Notably, global investment in nuclear energy is set to rise. Right now, it’s about $65 billion each year. As per IEA, by 2030, it could hit $70 billion with current policies. Nuclear capacity is expected to grow by over 50% to nearly 650 GW by 2050.
Amazon, Meta, Google, and other companies that have joined the pledge are aware that even with better energy use, industries will still need a lot more power. However, nuclear projects require high upfront costs, long development times, and strict regulations. Despite these challenges, their long lifespan and low carbon emissions make them a strong choice for long-term energy planning.
The post Meta, Google, and Amazon Join Global Pledge to Triple Nuclear Energy by 2050 appeared first on Carbon Credits.
Carbon Footprint
TSMC Dominates AI Chip Market with Record Sales—But Can It Its Tackle Rising Emissions?
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the largest semiconductor foundry in the world, reported strong revenue growth in the first two months of 2025. The company earned NT$553.3 billion (US$16.81 billion), a 39.2% increase from last year. This growth is driven by the high demand for AI chips, especially from NVIDIA.
AI Demand Fuels TSMC Revenue Growth
In February 2025, TSMC’s revenue hit NT$260.01 billion, up 43.1% compared to last February. This marks the highest sales for February ever. However, it was an 11.3% drop from January 2025. Analysts expect revenue to rise in March, possibly exceeding NT$266.7 billion. This aligns with TSMC’s first-quarter sales goal of NT$820 billion to NT$846.24 billion.
As the main manufacturer of AI chips globally, TSMC is key to the tech industry. Its major clients include AMD, Apple, ARM, Broadcom, MediaTek, Qualcomm, and Nvidia. The growth of AI applications has increased chip demand, boosting TSMC’s expansion.
Massive U.S. Expansion Plans
The chip giant recently revealed it is expanding its U.S. operations with a $100 billion investment. This builds on its earlier $65 billion promise in Phoenix, Arizona. Now, the total is $165 billion. The expansion adds three new semiconductor plants, two packaging facilities, and a big R&D center. This marks the largest foreign direct investment in U.S. history.
The expansion can potentially create tens of thousands of high-tech jobs. It aims to generate over $200 billion in economic output in the next decade. Furthermore, the company can also strengthen its ties with top U.S. AI and tech firms like Apple, Nvidia, AMD, Broadcom, and Qualcomm.
However, a major challenge for TSMC in 2025 is the potential for U.S. tariffs on chip imports. Making news, TSMC’s CEO, C.C. Wei, met with former President Donald Trump at the White House. They talked about the investment and possibly addressed tariff concerns.
- READ MORE: NVIDIA Breaks Revenue Records as AI Demand Skyrockets, Targets 100% Renewable Energy in 2025
TSMC’s Path to Net Zero
TSMC has a clear roadmap to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. It launched Taiwan’s first Renewable Energy Joint Procurement Model. This model encourages suppliers to adopt low-carbon practices.
To support these efforts, TSMC released its first Climate and Nature Report in 2024. The company focuses on tech growth and caring for the environment. This way, it helps create a greener future.
TSMC prioritizes sustainability through eco-efficiency initiatives. In 2023, it reported a 31% rise in unit GHG emissions per wafer but is committed to cutting overall emissions.
Rising Emissions
- Scope 1 and 2 emissions rose from 11,558,554 tonnes CO₂e in 2022 to 11,783,418 tonnes CO₂e in 2023, marking a 1.9% increase year-over-year.
- Scope 3 emissions increased from 7,429,158 tonnes CO₂e in 2022 to 7,616,655 tonnes CO₂e in 2023.
- Unit GHG emissions per 12-inch wafer mask layer grew by 31%, exceeding the 9% target set from the 2020 baseline.
Global Energy Conservation with Advanced Technologies
In 2023, TSMC implemented 822 energy-saving measures, saving 830 GWh of electricity and cutting NT$590 million in carbon costs through internal pricing.
Additionally, Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) estimates that TSMC’s innovations will boost global energy savings from 16.9 billion kWh in 2020 to 235.4 billion kWh by 2030.
More significantly, the company leads in energy-efficient semiconductor technology. Smaller, more efficient chips help devices use less power. With such innovations, TSMC leads in smarter manufacturing and industry-wide efficiency.
Sustainability Goals and Achievements
- Purchased 2,592 GWh of renewable energy, covering all overseas operations (11.2% of total use).
- Promotes closed-loop systems to recycle chemicals and packaging, making manufacturing more sustainable and energy-efficient.
- Increasing renewable energy usage in new 3nm fabs to over 20% and aiming to reach 60% across all operations by 2030.
- Replacing coal with cleaner natural gas and adopting carbon capture technologies to cut emissions. Lowering transportation emissions through greener logistics.
- Targeting 100% renewable energy globally by 2040—10 years ahead of schedule. It’s using low-carbon energy sources like wind and solar power while optimizing power consumption for greater efficiency.
- Reducing unit water consumption by 30% while boosting reclaimed water use by 60%.
Protecting Biodiversity
TSMC is committed to protecting biodiversity. The company seeks zero deforestation and no net loss, aiming for a positive environmental impact by 2050. It’s creating action plans as per the Science-Based Targets Network (SBTN) to protect nature and reach net-zero emissions.
In 2024, it launched the Eco-Plus program in Taichung and continues to assess environmental risks and opportunities.
TSMC’s strong financial performance in early 2025 shows the rising demand for AI chips and its significance in the semiconductor industry. Despite a slight rise in emissions, it remains focused on emissions reduction and renewable energy adoption as part of its long-term sustainability strategy.
The post TSMC Dominates AI Chip Market with Record Sales—But Can It Its Tackle Rising Emissions? appeared first on Carbon Credits.
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