AI's arrival complicates Big Tech climate goals, and some worry it's locking in more fossil fuels
The deployment of artificial intelligence is complicating tech companies' commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with many relying on natural gas to power their data centers. Despite buying record amounts of clean energy, tech companies' total emissions are increasing, with Google's emissions jumping nearly 50% over the first five years of their climate commitments.
Tech companies are struggling to meet their climate goals due to the increasing power demands of artificial intelligence. Data centers are consuming more power than entire cities, with natural gas being a significant source of electricity. In 2024, natural gas accounted for over 40% of electricity powering US data centers. Tech companies have made progress in reducing emissions through energy-efficiency measures and buying renewable energy credits. However, their total emissions are rising, with Google's emissions increasing by nearly 50% and Amazon's by 33%. The trend is expected to continue, with utilities planning natural gas plants to supply data centers.
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