Other major tech companies, such as Microsoft, have also reported increased emissions due to the demand for AI. Microsoft's total carbon emissions rose nearly 30% since 2020, primarily due to the construction of data centers. Despite the challenges, Google remains committed to mitigating the environmental impact of AI through model optimization, efficient infrastructure, and emissions reductions.
Key takeaways:
- Google's emissions surged nearly 50% compared to 2019, according to its 2024 environmental report, with a 13% increase year over year in 2023.
- The increase in emissions is attributed to a rise in data center energy consumption and supply chain emissions, driven by advancements in and demand for artificial intelligence.
- Google's total data center electricity consumption grew 17% in 2023, and AI data centers are expected to add about 323 terawatt hours of electricity demand in the U.S. by 2030.
- Other major tech companies, like Microsoft, have also reported increased emissions due to AI demand, with Microsoft's total carbon emissions rising nearly 30% since 2020 primarily due to the construction of data centers.