Google environmental report shows 48% emissions increase driven by AI integration

Google observed a 48% increase in greenhouse gas emissions in 2023 compared to 2019, according to the tech giant's recently released annual environmental report.

The company attributed the surge to higher energy demands at its data centers, largely driven by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI).

AI-based services demand a significant amount of computing power and electricity, which has led to concerns from experts about its environmental impact. Google has previously set a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2030, a goal which has been compromised by the integration of AI into its products.

Systems like ChatGPT, which rely on AI, can require 33 times more energy usage than machines traditional computing software, according to the BBC. Google's environmental report highlights the varying carbon footprint of its data centers across the world. Most centers in Europe and the Americas primarily use carbon-free energy sources, while those in the Middle East, Asia, and Australia depend more on non-carbon-free sources. Around two-thirds of Google's overall energy consumption comes from carbon-free sources.

The growth of AI has led to increased energy and water usage, prompting warnings from experts amidst the sector's rapid growth.  However, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has downplayed AI's environmental impact, arguing that its increased electricity demand would only be between 2% to 6%, while considerably reducing overall energy consumption, according to the BBC.