AI’s arrival complicates Big Tech climate goals, and some worry it’s locking in more fossil fuels
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The rapid deployment of artificial intelligence is complicating tech companies' efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with many relying on natural gas to power their data centers. Despite investing in clean energy, tech companies' total emissions have increased, with Google's emissions jumping nearly 50% and Amazon's rising by 33%.
Tech companies are struggling to meet their climate goals due to the rapid growth of artificial intelligence. Data centers, which consume large amounts of power, are a major contributor to emissions. In 2024, data centers used about 4.6% of total US electricity, with this share expected to nearly triple by 2028. Natural gas is being used to power many data centers, with over 40% of US data centers relying on it. Companies like Google and Microsoft are investing in clean energy, but their emissions have still increased. The use of natural gas is expected to continue, with utilities planning new natural gas plants to supply data centers.
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