Google's emissions increased 51% from 2019 to 2024, reaching 11.5 million tonnes, largely due to strain on data centers from generative AI. The International Energy Agency warned that AI could consume energy equivalent to Japan's usage by 2030, contributing to a 150% rise in emissions from AI companies since 2020. While Scope 1 and 2 emissions decreased, Scope 3 emissions surged 22% and represent 73% of Google's footprint. Google aims to mitigate emissions by promoting clean electricity and low-carbon construction for data centers, despite continued growth in infrastructure.
Google's total carbon dioxide emissions reached 11.5 million tonnes last year, reflecting a significant increase from 7.6 million tonnes recorded in 2019.
A key factor behind this increase lies in the huge strain placed on data center infrastructure by generative AI, which has contributed to the climbing emissions.
Scope 3 emissions, which account for 73% of Google's carbon footprint, rose 22% year-on-year due to increased data center capacity delivery and associated hardware manufacturing.
Google cut Scope 1 emissions by 8% year-on-year, and Scope 2 emissions fell by 11%, showcasing progress in reducing direct and indirect emissions.
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