AI drives 48% increase in Google emissions

Google's 2024 environmental report reveals a stark reality: from 2019 to 2023, the tech giant saw a 48% surge in greenhouse gas emissions, largely attributed to the burgeoning energy demands of its data centres, fueled by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI). AI-powered services necessitate significantly more computational power and thus electricity, heightening concerns about their environmental impact. While Google aims for net zero emissions by 2030, integrating AI further complicates emission reduction efforts, as highlighted in their latest findings. The report underscores global disparities, with European and American data centres predominantly using carbon-free energy, contrasting with counterparts in the Middle East, Asia, and Australia, where reliance on such sources is notably lower. Despite these challenges, Google asserts that roughly two-thirds of its energy globally is derived from carbon-free sources.