Google's emissions spike linked to AI

Google is investing intensely in tools, resources, infrastructure to minimise its emissions

Tech Desk - Jul 05, 2024

Alphabet-owned Google has spent the last couple of months integrating its artificial intelligence (AI) technology, Gemini, into its products and addressing issues with its AI outputs, such as suggesting users glue pizza or eat rocks. Despite these challenges, the company's significant AI push has also brought developments in its climate footprint targets.

Previously, the search engine giant confirmed its greenhouse gas emissions have climbed by 48%, largely due to increased energy consumption from its data centres. Google's "highly ambitious" goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2030 remains a challenging target.

Increasing emissions and energy consumption

According to The Guardian, the International Energy Agency (IEA) indicates that Google's electricity consumption might double from 2022 levels, suggesting this rise could be just the beginning.

Reasons for rising emissions

Google is heavily investing in tools, resources, and infrastructure to minimise its emissions, but this effort is countered by the significant energy required to train and run AI models in data centres. A study by AI startup Hugging Face found that creating an AI image uses as much energy as fully charging a smartphone, with the initial training of models contributing significantly to emissions.

AI development continues

The search engine giant has signed agreements with platforms like Reddit to help train the Large Language Model (LLM) that powers its Gemini Chatbot. Additionally, Google's DeepMind research arm continues to develop generative AI, which includes adding audio to silent videos and summarising other AI presentations. Despite these advancements, there is no indication that AI progress or the associated emissions will slow down soon.

Google faces a complex challenge in balancing its AI ambitions with its environmental goals. The company's efforts to reduce its climate impact will be crucial as it continues to advance its AI technologies.