Google’s Carbon Emissions Jump by 48% since 2019: A Growing Concern for the Tech Giant
In its latest environmental report, Google has revealed a staggering 48% increase in its carbon emissions since 2019. This alarming rise is attributed to the growing demand for data centers and “supply chain emissions” due to the increasing reliance on Artificial Intelligence (AI). The report, published on the Google blog, highlights the company’s environmental efforts and challenges, raising concerns about the tech giant’s sustainability.
According to the report, Google’s carbon emissions jumped by 13% in 2024 alone, surpassing the previous year’s figures. This significant increase is a cause for concern, as it contradicts the company’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. In 2025, Google aims to reduce its carbon emissions by 75% compared to its 2020 levels. However, the recent report suggests that the company is moving in the opposite direction.
The primary reason behind this surge in carbon emissions is the growing demand for data centers. As AI continues to transform industries and transform the way we live, data centers are becoming increasingly important for storing and processing vast amounts of data. Google’s data centers now account for 25% of its total energy consumption, making them a significant contributor to the company’s carbon emissions.
Supply chain emissions are another major factor contributing to the increase in carbon emissions. The report highlights that the company’s supply chain, which includes the production and transportation of its products and services, is responsible for a significant portion of its emissions. This is a concerning trend, as it highlights the need for Google to take a more holistic approach to reducing its environmental impact.
Google’s environmental report also emphasizes the importance of renewable energy. The company has set a target of powering 100% of its operations with renewable energy. While this is an ambitious goal, the report highlights that the company still relies heavily on non-renewable energy sources.
In addition to its data centers and supply chain, Google’s carbon emissions also come from its fleet of cars and other vehicles. The company is working to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, with plans to transition to electric vehicles.
Despite these challenges, Google is taking steps to reduce its environmental impact. The company has set a target of reducing its Scope 1 emissions (direct emissions from its operations) by 50% by 2030, and its Scope 2 emissions (indirect emissions from purchased energy) by 75% by 2030. Google is also working to reduce its supply chain emissions by partnering with suppliers to reduce their carbon footprint.
In conclusion, Google’s recent environmental report raises concerns about the company’s growing carbon emissions. The increasing demand for data centers and supply chain emissions are significant contributors to this trend. However, the company is taking steps to reduce its environmental impact, including setting ambitious targets for renewable energy and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. As the world continues to rely on technology to drive innovation and growth, it is essential that companies like Google prioritize sustainability and take bold action to reduce their carbon emissions.
Source:
https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/sustainability/environmental-report-2025/
