Tech sector’s CO2 emissions rose in 2024 amid AI boom, UN report finds

Technology companies emitted 301 million tonnes of operational carbon dioxide in 2024, a 1.2 percent increase over the prior year, as the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure continues to outpace the sector's climate commitments, according to a new United Nations report published this week.itu+1

The Greening Digital Companies 2026 report, the fifth edition of a joint assessment by the International Telecommunication Union and the World Benchmarking Alliance, was launched on September 2 at the World Telecommunication/ICT Policy Forum. It monitors greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and climate pledges across 200 major digital companies worldwide.businessday+1

AI Drives an Emissions Divide

The report found that operational emissions from four major AI and cloud computing providers surged to as much as 239 percent of their 2020 levels by 2024, reflecting the enormous computing capacity and electricity required to train and run AI systems. By contrast, 14 large telecommunications operators cut their emissions by 11 percent over the same period, pointing to a widening climate divide within the digital economy.phys+1

The 301 million tonnes of Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions represented about 0.8 percent of global energy-related emissions in 2024. Among companies that disclosed Scope 3 emissions — covering supply chains, equipment manufacturing, and end-use of products — those indirect emissions accounted for 76 percent of their total carbon footprint.businessday

"While digital technologies offer immense potential for climate action, their rising energy demands and emissions cannot be overlooked," ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin said.japantimes+1

Pledges Outpace Action

A total of 163 companies disclosed electricity consumption for 2024, reporting combined use of 494 terawatt-hours — roughly 1.7 percent of global electricity consumption. Just 10 companies accounted for 54 percent of that total. Despite the sector being among the world's largest corporate buyers of renewable electricity, only 25 of the 200 firms reported sourcing 100 percent renewable power.businessday

The gap between commitments and execution remains stark. While 151 companies had set near-term emissions reduction targets, only 85 were assessed as being on track, and just 81 companies — 41 percent — had comprehensive climate transition plans.businessday

Broader Context

The findings arrive as major tech firms face mounting scrutiny over emissions tied to AI expansion. Google Alphabet Inc. ↗ 0.78% warned earlier this year that its climate goals were "getting harder," reporting an 82 percent rise in emissions since 2020, while Amazon Amazon.com, Inc. ↘ 0.35% saw electricity-related emissions climb 34 percent in a single year.dw

Gerbrand Haverkamp, executive director of the World Benchmarking Alliance, said the sector must look beyond its own operations. "The electronics sector, which provides many inputs underpinning digital infrastructure, accounts for 53 percent of reported emissions across all three subsectors," he said.businessday