Google’s Carbon Emissions Jump by 48% Since 2019: A Growing Concern for the Tech Giant
In its latest environmental report, Google has revealed that its carbon emissions have increased by a staggering 48% since 2019. The report, published on its official blog, also highlights a 13% jump in carbon emissions alone in 2024. This significant increase in emissions has raised concerns about the tech giant’s commitment to sustainability and its role in mitigating climate change.
According to the report, the main reasons for the surge in carbon emissions are the growing demand for data centres and “supply chain emissions”. Data centres, which are the backbone of Google’s operations, now account for 25% of the company’s total energy consumption. This is a significant increase from previous years, highlighting the increasing reliance on these facilities to support the company’s AI-driven services.
The report also notes that Google’s supply chain emissions, which include emissions from the production and transportation of its products, have also seen a significant increase. This is attributed to the growing demand for Google’s products and services, which requires a larger and more complex supply chain.
The impact of this increase in carbon emissions is far-reaching, with the report stating that the equivalent of 12.5 million metric tons of CO2 was emitted in 2024 alone. This is equivalent to the annual emissions of approximately 2.6 million cars.
Google’s commitment to sustainability has been a subject of controversy in recent years. While the company has made significant efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, its increasing reliance on data centres and supply chains has contributed to a growing carbon footprint.
In response to the report, Google has emphasized its commitment to reducing its carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. The company has also set a target to power 100% of its data centres with renewable energy by 2025.
However, critics argue that Google’s increasing reliance on data centres and supply chains is at odds with its commitment to sustainability. They argue that the company should prioritize reducing its carbon emissions from these sources rather than simply offsetting them.
To achieve its sustainability goals, Google has outlined several initiatives aimed at reducing its carbon footprint. These include increasing the use of renewable energy, reducing energy consumption in its data centres, and promoting sustainable practices throughout its supply chain.
One of the key initiatives is the company’s “Renewable Energy First” policy, which ensures that 100% of the energy used in its data centres comes from renewable sources. Google has also set a target to reduce its energy consumption in its data centres by 50% by 2030.
In addition to these initiatives, Google is also investing in sustainable technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, to reduce its carbon footprint. The company is also working with its suppliers to promote sustainable practices throughout its supply chain.
While Google’s commitment to sustainability is a step in the right direction, the company’s increasing carbon emissions are a growing concern. As the tech giant continues to grow and expand its operations, it is essential that it prioritizes reducing its carbon footprint and achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.
In conclusion, Google’s carbon emissions have jumped by 48% since 2019, with a 13% increase in 2024 alone. This significant increase in emissions has raised concerns about the company’s commitment to sustainability and its role in mitigating climate change. While Google has outlined several initiatives aimed at reducing its carbon footprint, it is essential that the company prioritizes reducing its carbon emissions from data centres and supply chains.
Source:
https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/sustainability/environmental-report-2025/
