Google's Carbon Footprint Spikes 48% in Five-Year Span
Money | July 2, 2024, 12:35 p.m.
Google's greenhouse gas emissions have surged by 48 percent in the past five years, reaching 14.3 million tonnes of carbon equivalent in 2023. This increase is attributed to the expansion of data centers supporting artificial intelligence systems, casting doubt on the company's commitment to reach "net zero" emissions by 2030. Despite acknowledging the challenge of reducing emissions while investing in AI infrastructure, Google's Chief Sustainability Officer Kate Brandt stated that the company remains dedicated to its ambitious goal. However, concerns have been raised by climate experts about the environmental impact of power-intensive AI technologies. The report also highlights constraints in energy generation and transmission as companies like Google aim to advance AI capabilities. Google's efforts to reduce emissions include signing clean energy deals, but challenges remain in meeting sustainability targets amid the rapid growth of AI technologies.