Google's emissions surged nearly 50% since 2019, the company said Tuesday in its 2024 environmental report.The company attributed the emissions spike to an increase in data center energy consumption and supply chain emissions driven by rapid advancements in and demand for AI.Streaming 24/7: Watch NBC 5 local news and weather for free wherever you are
The company attributed the emissions spike to an increase in data center energy consumption and supply chain emissions driven by rapid advancements in and demand foras much as 20% by 2030, with AI data centers alone expected to add about 323 terawatt hours of electricity demand in the U.S., CNBC previously reported.
While renewables will likely play an important role in meeting AI energy demands, analysts say that immediate implementation is challenging. This is due to factors such as the time required to build the power lines that transport resources to the data centers, Wells Fargo analyst Roger Read Google said in the report that its data centers are 1.8 times as energy efficient as a typical data center. The company added that it remains committed to mitigating the environmental impact of AI through model optimization, efficient infrastructure and emissions reductions.total carbon emissionsWarren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway raked in billions from BYD, the China EV maker Munger called a ‘damn miracle’Florida, California insurance crisis is spreading.