Google plans to develop an energy-hungry artificial intelligence hub in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, one of the most fossil-fuel-reliant countries on Earth.
The initiative would make it difficult for the technology giant to cut its carbon dioxide emissions in half by the end of the decade, a climate goal Google set in 2021. Since then, its emissions have grown by 3.5 million metric tons — an increase of more than 30 percent that is due in part to the company’s AI investments.
The strategic partnership could also raise questions about Google’s 2020 pledge to stop developing AI programs that aid oil drilling. Saudi Aramco, the kingdom’s state-owned oil firm, says it already uses AI to “maximize our access” to new oil deposits.
Google spokesperson Chrissy Moy said the deal “comports” with that 2020 pledge and is consistent with the company’s climate commitments.
