Recently, Amazon (AMZN  ) reportedly threatened to fire its employees who might dare to speak out against the tech giant's policies addressing climate change. Amazon Employees for Climate Justice stated that several employees were notified by Amazon's legal and human resources representatives, alleging the workers were in violation of the company's external communications policy. A software engineer and user experience designer who were contacted replied it is not the time to shoot the messengers or silence people speaking out for change. The employee group claims Amazon changed its policy in September to require employees to seek and obtain prior approval to speak about Amazon publicly. But an Amazon spokesperson said the firm's policy is better, adding Amazon tried to make it easier for employees to speak out in its September revision. As the world grapples with the effects of climate change and debates correct policy fixes, Amazon and big tech increasingly find themselves in a tricky position.

As one of the largest companies in the world, Amazon is always under immense scrutiny for its actions, especially those that affect innocent people and third parties. In particular, focus has been made towards the impact of its massive operations on the environment and the planet. As more scientists warn of the deadly timetable of irreversible climate change and more policymakers come to understand the veracity and severity of anthropomorphic climate change, activists are undoubtedly applying more pressure on large private institutions to reform, whether through legislation or advocacy.

At Amazon's annual shareholder meeting in May, thousands of employees requested CEO Jeff Bezos to develop a comprehensive climate change plan. In September, Bezos unveiled an ambitious plan to use renewable energy only by 2030 and phase out net carbon emissions to zero by 2040. But in the era of the even more urgent Green New Deal and the 2018 IPCC report that warned of a dire 12-year deadline, Amazon's plan might not be quick and committed enough for activists. Whatever the reason, some employees are pushing Amazon to do more, faster.

Amazon is not alone in striking a precarious position between corporate profits and environment policy. While companies publicly might try to put on a green facade for public relations and goodwill benefits, often the choice between money and the planet is a difficult decision. A details how Amazon, Google (GOOGL  ), and Microsoft (MSFT  ) are partnering with oil and gas majors to develop artificial intelligence and new technologies that will boost the ease and efficiency of energy exploration. Big tech will find it hard to reconcile its public green image with its pursuit of fossil fuel technology. Although big tech and Silicon Valley are nominally liberal due to social issues, they could become the target of environmental policy if a Democratic presidential administration opts to tackle climate change seriously at home.

The author does not hold any positions in any of the securities above.