Google’s Carbon Emissions Jump by 48% since 2019
In its recent environmental report, Google has revealed that its carbon emissions have increased by a staggering 48% since 2019. This alarming rise in emissions is attributed to the growing demand for data centers and the expansion of its global supply chain, which has led to an increase in “supply chain emissions”. The report highlights the company’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, but the latest figures raise concerns about the environmental impact of the tech giant’s rapid growth.
According to the report, Google’s carbon emissions increased by 13% in 2024 alone, which is a significant jump considering the company’s previous efforts to reduce its emissions. The report emphasizes that data centers now account for 25% of Google’s total energy consumption, which is a significant contributor to the company’s rising carbon footprint.
The increasing growth of AI and the internet of things (IoT) has led to a surge in demand for data centers, which are essential for processing and storing vast amounts of data. However, the construction and operation of these data centers require significant amounts of energy, which is often generated by fossil fuels and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
Google’s environmental report highlights the company’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint by investing in renewable energy, increasing energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable practices throughout its supply chain. The company has set a goal to power 100% of its operations with renewable energy, and it has made significant progress towards achieving this target.
However, despite these efforts, Google’s carbon emissions continue to rise, and the company’s reliance on fossil fuels remains a major concern. The report highlights the need for the company to accelerate its transition to renewable energy and to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels to meet its climate goals.
The increasing growth of AI and the IoT has also led to an increase in e-waste, which is a significant environmental concern. The report emphasizes the need for the company to develop sustainable practices for the disposal and recycling of electronic waste.
Google’s environmental report also highlights the company’s efforts to promote sustainable transportation and reduce emissions from its operations. The company has set a goal to reduce its emissions from transportation by 50% by 2025, and it has made significant progress towards achieving this target.
The report emphasizes the need for the company to continue to prioritize sustainability and reduce its environmental impact. The increasing growth of AI and the IoT has created new opportunities for the company to innovate and reduce its environmental footprint, and it is essential that Google continues to prioritize sustainability and reduce its emissions to meet its climate goals.
Conclusion
Google’s carbon emissions have jumped by 48% since 2019, with a 13% increase in 2024 alone, its environmental report stated. The increasing growth of AI has led to demand for more data centres and “supply chain emissions”, which are attributed as the major reasons for the jump in carbon emissions. Data centres now represent 25% of Google’s total energy consumption.
While Google has made significant efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, the latest figures raise concerns about the environmental impact of the tech giant’s rapid growth. It is essential that the company continues to prioritize sustainability and reduce its emissions to meet its climate goals.
Source:
https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/sustainability/environmental-report-2025/
