Three years ago, Google set an ambitious plan to address climate change by aiming for 'net zero' emissions by 2030. However, the recent report from the company indicated a significant shortfall in meeting this target. Instead of decreasing, Google's emissions surged by 13% in 2023 compared to the previous year, marking a 48% increase from its 2019 baseline. The company attributed this growth to artificial intelligence and the substantial energy demand exerted on data centers, which rely on vast amounts of electricity. Google has been recognized for making substantial climate commitments but faced criticism for not aligning with its emission reduction goals. Lisa Sachs from the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment emphasized the importance of Google partnering with cleaner firms and investing in the power grid to advance the transition towards cleaner energy sources more effectively. Chief Sustainability Officer Kate Brandt acknowledged the challenges in achieving the net zero goal by 2030 and emphasized the necessity for continuous evolution and adaptation in their approach. The growing electricity demand of AI-powered data centers poses a significant obstacle to the transition to clean energy sources, as these facilities are energy-intensive and often reliant on fossil fuel power plants. Experts caution that the proliferation of data centers necessary for AI development could hinder efforts to transition to renewable energy sources. Despite contributing to emissions growth, AI technologies also offer solutions for climate change mitigation, such as predicting natural disasters and optimizing resource usage. However, responsible usage of AI technology is crucial to ensure energy consumption aligns with societal benefits. Google's efforts in increasing energy consumption were accompanied by a rise in renewable energy usage, with a commitment to utilizing clean energy sources globally by 2030. The company reported a significant increase in carbon-free energy usage for its operations worldwide and highlighted its data centers' energy efficiency compared to industry standards. Despite its progress, Google faces challenges in accelerating clean energy initiatives to address the climate crisis effectively. Stakeholders urge Google to engage in robust discussions to expedite the transition to cleaner energy sources and mitigate the worsening impact of climate change.