A recent analysis by Morgan Stanley projects that global data center carbon emissions could reach 129 million metric tons annually by 2030, driven by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and cloud computing. This figure is comparable to the total annual emissions of Morocco, which emitted approximately 130 million metric tons in 2022 according to the World Bank.
The report highlights that data centers currently account for about 1% of global electricity demand, but this share is expected to rise sharply as AI workloads increase. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has noted that data center energy consumption could double by 2026, with AI playing a major role.
Tech companies have pledged to reduce their carbon footprints, with many aiming for net-zero emissions by 2030 or 2040. However, the rapid growth in demand for computing power poses a significant challenge to these goals. Some firms are investing in renewable energy and more efficient cooling technologies to mitigate the impact.
Environmental groups have called for stricter regulations and transparency in reporting data center emissions. The findings underscore the tension between digital transformation and climate commitments.
