This feels a bit misleading. Both Microsoft and Google still use fossil fuels for their data centers. I understand the "value" of RECs, but it definitely doesn't mean your data center is actually powered by renewable or "clean" energy, despite it allowing you to claim that. I really wish these companies had to publish the real numbers. That would demotivate them to buy RECs though...so here we are.
These might be puff pieces, but at least from reading them, it seems like Amazon is actually moving towards doing things. Not only that, but they are getting other companies to sign the pledge and take action.
The climate pledge has started to make an impact: https://climatepledgearena.com/. And there are plenty of articles that seem to indicate the climate pledge is doing things: https://www.forbes.com/sites/moorinsights/2020/06/30/amazons...
These might be puff pieces, but at least from reading them, it seems like Amazon is actually moving towards doing things. Not only that, but they are getting other companies to sign the pledge and take action.