Google remains steadfast in its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030, despite reporting a 51% increase in its carbon footprint since its 2019 baseline. The tech giant’s latest environmental report reveals an 11% rise in emissions in 2024, reaching 11.5 million metric tons of CO2e, with data center construction and AI-driven energy demand as primary contributors. Excluding certain Alphabet operations, the total emissions stand at 15.2 million metric tons.

Google’s strategy, validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), aims for a 50% reduction in Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, with residual emissions neutralized through carbon removals. However, the path is fraught with challenges, including fossil fuel-dependent grids in Asia Pacific and the need for supplier transitions to clean energy. "The thing with a moonshot goal is it is intentionally ambitious," said Google Chief Sustainability Officer Kate Brandt. "It can seem impossible at the time that it’s set."

Despite hurdles, Google has made progress in decarbonizing its data centers, cutting emissions by 12% in 2024 despite a 27% surge in electricity consumption. The company attributes this to its clean energy procurement, which now covers 66% of its needs, and efficiency improvements like advanced cooling systems and AI-optimized software. Google signed deals for 8 gigawatts of renewable energy in 2024, quadrupling its incremental load growth.

AI also plays a dual role, both driving energy demand and enabling emissions reductions. Google’s AI-powered tools, such as Nest thermostats and fuel-efficient routing in Maps, helped customers avoid 26 million metric tons of CO2e in 2024. The company aims to scale this impact to 1 gigaton by 2030. "This is indicative of the huge potential we have for AI to be a major environmental solution," Brandt noted.