July 18th, 2024

Google, Amazon and the problem with Big Tech's climate claims

Big Tech companies like Google and Amazon face climate scrutiny. Amazon met clean energy goals early, but Google saw a 13% emissions rise from AI. Focus shifts to achieving net zero emissions effectively, questioning reliance on carbon and renewable energy credits.

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Google, Amazon and the problem with Big Tech's climate claims

Big Tech companies like Google and Amazon are facing scrutiny over their climate claims. Amazon recently announced it had achieved clean electricity targets ahead of schedule, while Google admitted a 13% increase in emissions due to AI operations. The focus is shifting towards how companies reach net zero emissions rather than how fast they do it. Concerns arise over the effectiveness of carbon credits and renewable energy credits (RECs) in truly reducing emissions. Amazon's reliance on these methods has been criticized for not directly offsetting its energy consumption. Google, on the other hand, has stopped purchasing carbon credits and is investing in direct air capture technologies. Both companies are striving for net-zero emissions by 2030, with Google emphasizing 24/7 carbon-free energy sourcing. The debate continues on the effectiveness of current climate strategies and the need for more direct emission reductions rather than relying on offsets and credits.

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By @Doctor-R - 3 months
Their climate calculations do not include the environmental costs of commuting and return to office mandates. There would be less pollution if no employee commuted and there is no big office building.