Google’s 2024 Environmental Report reveals concerning statistics about the company’s greenhouse gas emissions. The report shows that Google has experienced a significant increase in emissions, with a 48 percent rise compared to the base year of 2019. This equates to 14.3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, more than the emissions of over 3.1 million cars in a year. The main contributors to this increase are data center energy consumption and supply chain emissions, both of which are influenced by the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Google’s operations.
AI’s impact on energy consumption is substantial, with AI search summaries alone using 10 times the amount of energy as a standard Google search. As Google integrates AI into more aspects of its business, the energy demands and associated emissions are expected to rise. Despite acknowledging the challenges posed by AI’s energy consumption, Google does not appear concerned about its ability to reach its goal of net zero emissions by 2030. The company expects emissions to temporarily rise before falling but offers little explanation of how this will be achieved.
Google’s report also highlights the uncertainty surrounding the future environmental impact of AI, which is complex and difficult to predict. The company acknowledges that some key global challenges currently lack solutions and depend on broader clean energy transitions. This suggests that Google’s approach will need to evolve and navigate significant uncertainties.
While Google mentions that its total emissions have increased at a slower rate than in previous years, this still falls short of a meaningful defense. If the company continues on its current trajectory, it risks doubling its greenhouse gas emissions instead of reaching its net zero goal by 2030. The report cites a study by Boston Consulting Group suggesting that AI has the potential to reduce global emissions by five to ten percent. However, this figure pales in comparison to Google’s 48 percent increase in emissions.
Despite the concerning increase in emissions, Google’s report does highlight some positive achievements. The company has replenished around 18 percent of the freshwater used by its data centers and offices, tripling the percentage from the previous year. Additionally, packaging for new products launched in 2023 was 99 percent plastic-free, showing progress in reducing plastic waste. However, there were setbacks in other areas, such as a decrease in food waste diversion from landfill and a decline in the amount of recycled plastic used in Google products.
In summary, Google’s sustainability report reveals a significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions, primarily driven by AI’s energy consumption. While the company has made progress in certain areas, it must address the challenges posed by AI and work towards its net zero emissions goal. The report highlights the need for innovative solutions and a broader clean energy transition to combat the environmental impact of AI technology.
