Report: Google ‘Misleading’ Public on GHG Emissions

A recent publication by the Kairos Fellowship highlights some troubling trends regarding Google’s environmental impact, notably as it ramps up its generative AI initiatives.The report, titled “Google’s Eco-Failures,” was released on July 2nd and reveals that the tech giant’s greenhouse gas emissions and resource consumption are on the rise.

according to Google’s 2025 environmental report,there has been a staggering 1,515% increase in total greenhouse gas emissions from 2010 to 2024. However,the authors of the Kairos report argue that this figure is somewhat deceptive. They point out that while Google claims a reduction in data center emissions, it only accounts for ‘market-based emissions’—essentially using renewable energy credits from other sources to mask actual emission levels. In reality, they note that Google’s Scope 1 emissions have only decreased marginally and represent just a tiny fraction (0.31%) of their overall reported figures.

The advocacy group further asserts that Google’s heavy investment in generative AI has substantially contributed to an alarming rise in Scope 2 emissions—those linked to energy purchased for data centers—which have surged by an astonishing 820% as 2010.

Looking ahead, the report casts doubt on Google’s ability to meet any meaningful emission reduction targets by 2030.

Water usage is another critical issue raised in the findings.Between 2016 and 2024, Google reportedly increased its water withdrawal—a measure of how much water is extracted from natural sources—by a staggering 340%, amounting to around 11 billion gallons annually. To put this into perspective: that’s enough water for over three-quarters of a million households or more than what residents of Phoenix, Arizona would use for daily showers throughout an entire year.

The Guardian noted that Google had not provided immediate feedback regarding these concerning statistics when approached for comment.