Microsoft ’s Climate Strategy and Its Carbon Removal Deal with Chestnut Carbon

Microsoft’s Brian Marrs, Senior Director of Energy and Carbon Removal, and Chestnut Carbon CFO Greg Adams share their perspectives as a major buyer and developer of carbon removal credits. Their 2025 deal is one of the largest carbon removal deals in the U.S. and seeks to deliver 7 million tons of nature-based carbon credits over 25 years.  Brian explains Microsoft’s carbon negative strategy and targets, and the role of carbon removal credits. He also describes how Microsoft is using its Climate Innovation Fund and procurement efforts to “build missing markets” in decarbonized energy, materials, and transportation.  Greg describes how Chestnut Carbon combines afforestation, land ownership, and a private equity-backed project development model to deliver high-integrity carbon credits. He explains how their work is similar to long-term energy infrastructure contracts like power purchase agreements (PPAs), and how they are using proprietary tools to scale.   Brian and Greg also share their advice for those looking to learn more and work in the field.