Google Climate Goals

Google aims to reach net-zero emissions across its operations and value chain by 2030, but its growth in AI and cloud computing is pushing emissions the other way. This page covers Google's targets, its carbon removal deals, and how its progress is holding up. Last updated October 2026.

Google's Climate Goals at a Glance

• Target: net-zero emissions across operations and value chain by 2030, including a goal to halve Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions from a 2019 base.
• Where it stands: Google's 2025 environmental report, released in 2026, showed total emissions up 18% year over year and 81% above 2019 levels, with Scope 3 about 80% of the total (as reported by ESG Dive).
• Carbon-free energy: about 65% on average in 2025, from about 66% in 2024, against a goal of 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2030.
• Carbon removal: about 1.38 million tonnes of CO₂e contracted, though Google does not count removals in its inventory until 2030.

Net-Zero by 2030: A Moonshot Under Pressure

In 2020 Google pledged net-zero emissions across its operations and value chain by 2030, covering Scope 1 (direct), Scope 2 (purchased electricity) and Scope 3 (supply chain). It has been carbon neutral in its operations since 2007 and has matched 100% of its annual electricity use with renewable energy purchases since 2017.

The 2030 goal has become harder. Google has itself called it a moonshot, and its reports show emissions rising as AI data centres and supply chain emissions grow. See the numbers above for the most recent figures.

Investing in Direct Air Capture and Carbon Removal

Google buys carbon removal to address emissions it cannot eliminate. In 2024 it agreed to buy 100,000 tonnes of carbon removal from Holocene, a direct air capture (DAC) startup, at $100 per tonne, reported as the lowest price recorded for DAC-based removal. Holocene was later acquired by Occidental (Oxy).

Google is also a founding backer of Frontier and supports other methods:

• Enhanced rock weathering (ERW): accelerating natural mineral reactions that capture CO₂.
• Biochar: storing carbon in soil while improving agricultural productivity.
• Nature-based removal: reforestation and ecosystem restoration.

Learn more in our guides to Direct Air Capture and Carbon Dioxide Removal.

Renewable Energy and 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy

Matching annual electricity with renewable purchases is different from running on carbon-free power every hour. Google's goal is 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2030, meaning its data centres and offices draw on carbon-free electricity around the clock. Reaching it means pairing generation, storage and grid investment in each region, and Google's average of about 65% in 2025 shows how much remains to be done.

Data Centres and Operational Efficiency

Google invests in efficient data centres, including AI-driven energy optimisation and advanced cooling, and has a goal to replenish 120% of the freshwater it consumes by 2030.

Supply Chain and Circular Practices

Most of Google's emissions sit outside its direct operations. The company works with suppliers on science-based targets and pursues hardware reuse, recycling and material recovery.

Challenges and Opportunities

• AI energy demand: electricity use is growing faster than clean energy supply can be added.
• Scope 3 growth: supply chain emissions, now the biggest share, are rising with hardware demand.
• Scaling DAC: current facilities remove only a small fraction of Google's footprint, so cost reductions and volume matter.

Frequently Asked Questions About Google's Climate Goals

What is Google's climate goal?

Google aims for net-zero emissions across its operations and value chain by 2030.

Is Google on track for net zero by 2030?

Not on current numbers. Google's 2025 report showed emissions about 81% above 2019 levels, which runs against its goal of halving emissions. Google says it is still working toward the target.

How much carbon removal has Google bought?

Google has contracted about 1.38 million tonnes of CO₂e of removals, including 100,000 tonnes from Holocene at $100 per tonne.

How does Google compare with other tech companies?

Compare with Apple, Microsoft and Meta.

Sources

ESG Dive: Google's emissions continue to climb due to AI buildout and ESG News: Oxy buys Holocene following $100/ton deal with Google.