Tech emits 4% of global carbon, more than aviation, and data centers eat 2% of power
ingliguori · x · 2026-09-26
A thread on tech's carbon footprint: the industry accounts for 4% of global emissions—more than aviation—and is growing fast. Training one AI model emits roughly a car's lifetime CO2 times five; crypto mining uses more electricity than Argentina; e-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream; data centers consume 1-2% of global electricity.
On the hopeful side: Google cut data center cooling energy by 40% with AI; Microsoft's underwater data centers work and attract marine life; Apple runs on 100% renewables; new chip designs use 50% less power. The author argues the next generation of tech leaders will be judged on carbon footprint, energy efficiency, and circular economy rather than revenue or market cap.
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