Communicator

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 

The European Parliament and EU countries reached an agreement last year to implement an EU CO₂ levy covering gasoline, diesel, natural gas, heating oil, and other hydrocarbons. With current CO₂ emission prices at €45 per ton, this agreement is poised to result in an approximate surcharge of 10 cents per liter of gasoline or diesel fuel. However, experts foresee a significant escalation in emission prices to €100-300 per ton of CO₂.

Yasmin Fahimi, president of the Confederation of German Trade Unions (DGB), has expressed deep concerns regarding the extension of emissions trading to encompass all hydrocarbons, citing potential irreparable impacts on industrial competitiveness.

Fahimi emphasized the need for reconsideration, stating, "Such decisions are not irrevocable. It is urgent to discuss once more the ramifications for economic and industrial policy stemming from this CO₂ emissions pathway."

Notably, concerns about the repercussions of increased gas station prices have also been acknowledged within the Green Party. The removal of diesel subsidies for agriculture could exacerbate their vulnerability to financial strain, potentially leading to immediate bankruptcies.

#diesel  #gasoline  #carboncredits  #carbonemissions #germany