Google’s carbon emissions have surged by a staggering 51% since 2019, driven by the company’s aggressive investments in AI technology, according to its latest sustainability report.
The Verge highlights that Google, often touted for its environmental commitments, has reported a significant rise in carbon emissions due to its ongoing AI push.
The 2025 sustainability report indicates that its “ambition-based emissions” increased by 11% last year, reaching 11.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. This dramatic rise underscores the company’s struggle to meet its goal of halving emissions by 2030.
In the report, Google attributes the rise to several external factors beyond its “direct control,” with the rapid advancement of AI technology being a key contributor.
This evolution complicates the company’s ability to predict future energy needs and emissions. The heightened energy consumption associated with AI development is a growing concern not only for Google but also for other tech giants like Microsoft and Meta.
A closer look at the report reveals that Google’s total emissions reached 15,185,200 metric tons of carbon dioxide—equivalent to the emissions from nearly 40 gas-fired power plants annually. This figure includes pollution from supply chain activities the company deems outside its core operations, such as certain purchased goods and services.
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt suggested in 2024 that the environmental impact of AI should be overlooked, claiming Silicon Valley’s environmentalist assertions have always been unrealistic.
As Breitbart News previously reported, when asked about balancing AI energy needs with conservation goals, Schmidt expressed skepticism about achieving current climate targets.
“We’re not going to hit the climate goals anyway because we’re not organized to do it,” he stated, advocating instead for confidence in AI to solve the problem rather than restricting its growth.
Schmidt’s remarks have ignited debate within the tech industry and among environmentalists. Some argue that AI’s potential to optimize energy systems and innovate clean technologies justifies its increased energy demands. Others caution that prioritizing AI development over environmental considerations could lead to dire consequences for the planet.
