A division of Alphabet Inc. has claimed carbon neutrality in its operations since 2007. This status was achieved by purchasing carbon offsets to match the emissions produced by its buildings, data centers, and business travel.
However, in its latest report, the company states:
"Starting in 2023, we no longer support operational carbon neutrality."
Google has ceased its substantial purchase of inexpensive carbon offsets. This strategic shift coincided with Google and Big Tech's dramatic move towards artificial intelligence technology, which is extremely resource-intensive.
As a result, energy consumption in 2023 was 48% higher than in 2019. Total energy consumption doubled over that period.
Microsoft shares a similar story. The company's AI activities led to a 30% increase in emissions compared to 2020, although it still aims to become carbon-negative by 2030.
#microsoft #google #alphabet #ai #artificialintelligence #energyconsumption #carboncredits #carbonneutrality #carbonoffsets #emissions #CO2 #carbondioxide #carbonnegative
Kokel, Nicolas
