In 2021, Google aimed to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030, but recent findings suggest the company’s emissions have risen significantly, with a reported increase of 51% from 2019 to 2024, while a nonprofit group, Kairos Fellowship, claims the actual rise is 65%. Critics point to Google’s methodologies, specifically the difference between market-based and location-based emissions calculations, which they argue obscure the true environmental impact.
The report highlights that Google’s energy use for data centers has surged by 820% since 2010, contributing to a notable increase in overall emissions. Additionally, Google’s water withdrawal for operations has reportedly increased by 27%, raising concerns about its resource consumption.
The Kairos report also critiques Google’s reliance on speculative technologies like nuclear power to meet its carbon reduction goals, arguing that its current trajectory is unsustainable without substantial public pressure. It concludes that Google’s total energy consumption has dramatically risen since 2010, contradicting claims of improved efficiency. The situation illustrates a growing tension between tech companies’ sustainability promises and their actual environmental impact.
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