According to the CNBC report, Google’s carbon emissions surged nearly 50% in 2024 compared to 2019, posing a significant challenge to the company’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2030. The report attributed this surge to a rise in energy consumption in data centers and supply chain emissions, largely driven by the rapid growth and demand for artificial intelligence. Specifically, the total electricity consumption of Google’s data centers witnessed a 17% increase in 2023.
The report also highlighted that the influence of artificial intelligence on electricity demand is widely acknowledged, with forecasts indicating a potential 20% surge in electricity demand by 2030. AI data centers are projected to contribute around 323 terawatt hours of electricity in the U.S. alone.While Google emphasized that its data centers are 18 times more efficient than the average data center, and the company reiterated its dedication to minimizing the environmental impact of AI through measures like model optimization, efficient infrastructure, and emission reductions, experts noted that immediate implementation of renewable energy sources to meet the energy needs driven by AI faces challenges, such as the time needed to establish supporting infrastructure.
Below is the Full Report from Google as PDF https://www.gstatic.com/gumdrop/sustainability/google-2024-environmental-report.pdf
Related stories from TechCrunch (link>)
and The Hill (link>)