AI's arrival complicates Big Tech climate goals, and some worry it's locking in more fossil fuels
The growth of artificial intelligence is complicating Big Tech's climate goals, as companies like Google and Microsoft struggle to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while building power-hungry data centers. Despite investing in clean energy, tech companies' total emissions are rising, with some relying on natural gas to stay competitive.
Big Tech companies are facing challenges in meeting their climate goals due to the growth of artificial intelligence. Google and Microsoft aim to power their operations with clean energy, but the demand for power to run data centers is increasing. Data centers used about 4.6% of total US electricity in 2024, and this share is expected to nearly triple by 2028. Tech companies have made progress in reducing emissions through energy-efficiency measures and buying renewable energy credits. However, natural gas use is increasing, with over 40% of electricity powering US data centers coming from natural gas in 2024. Companies are investing in new sources of carbon-free energy, but the trend towards natural gas is expected to continue.
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