The emissions generated by data centers owned by AI leaders like Microsoft, Google, Meta, and Apple are reported to be 662% higher than officially claimed, raising concerns about transparency.
When tech companies report emissions, they often rely on "market-based" measurements that allow them to purchase renewable energy certificates (Recs), leading to misleading claims of carbon neutrality.
Tech firms can buy Recs which certify they offset dirty energy with renewable sources, but verification processes are weak, allowing for questionable environmental claims.
The Guardian's analysis suggests that the emissions from these tech companies may be significantly underreported, hinting at ongoing obfuscation of their environmental impact.
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