When data centres plug into the grid, power generation has to increase. That often comes from coal and gas - and so, Google's reported grid emissions are accelerating too
The pollution pumped out here causes stuff like heatwaves that kill thousands of people. This is unsafe and v v v dangerous
Google defend this with a line I hear a lot: 'we still like our targets but this isn't linear'
Well, no. It's not. It's exponential in the wrong direction. This is now how climate targets work, folks. Also see: my 2025 Microsoft post
ketanjoshi.co/2026/07/01/g...
ketanjoshi.co/2025/05/31/t...
Google basically say: it's all worth it.
But is it? Google now has to burn 1.5x as much energy to make the same $1m in revenue.
Compared to 2021, are you getting 2x the value out of Google's services, to justify 2x the climate disasters they'll cause? Is this a good trade-off, to you?
I go deeper into the AI solutionism they've tweaked in the report, and the efficiency-washing they've badly worsened
Please go have a read (and share it if you like it)
A treat: Google disclosed water consumption in 'golf course equivalents', so I put it in context:
ketanjoshi.co/2026/07/01/g...
As always - all data are shared for your use here, along with a bunch of graphics, all CC.
It is very nice to credit me if you do use it though, because everything on my blog I just do in my own time (am not paid for these posts at all, unless it's part of a disclosed project)
Data Collection – Big Tech Emi...
TY @pcgamer.com@bsky.brid.gy for covering this!
Google leaves previously set e...