As a result of Google’s announcement, users of its platforms will be able to make more environmentally friendly decisions in the future. Most of the newly added Google services have to do with lowering greenhouse gas emissions that are warming the globe. These include Search, Maps, Travel, and Nest.
In order to fully understand how their new tools function, it’s important to understand the context first. Environmentalists have accused companies of shifting the burden of solving the climate catastrophe onto individuals. Holding large corporations responsible for their emissions has a considerably greater influence than the individual actions of anyone consumer might have. There is no evidence to suggest that Google plans to lessen its own carbon impact with its announcements on Wednesday.
To sum it up: time is of the essence to avoid a worsening of the climate crisis and every reduction in emissions counts. Here’s a rundown of what Google recently released for people interested in new ways to reduce their own emissions.
SEARCH
Google wants to change the way “climate change” search results are displayed on its platform at some point this month. According to Google, users will be redirected to a results page that includes “high-quality climate-related information.” Content will be drawn from trustworthy sources, such as the United Nations and other international organisations.
In addition, Google says it aims to make it easier for customers to find environmentally friendly products when they shop on the search engine’s platform. When people in the United States lookup automobile models and manufacturers on Google “early next year,” hybrid and electric vehicle results will appear as well. Nearby charging stations compatible with a specific electric vehicle model might be found while looking for one online.
When shopping online in the United States, Google users should expect to receive suggestions for more energy-efficient home appliances starting Wednesday. This holds true for appliances such as heaters, dishwashers, water heaters, and stoves.
Google, on the other hand, made no announcements about changes to YouTube searches, which is a major forum for climate change disinformation and deception. According to a recent analysis, among the top 100 films that appear when searching for “global warming,” 20% of views are for videos full of disinformation. While refusing to cancel fossil fuel contracts or stop sponsoring and lobbying candidates who oppose climate action, Google also hasn’t met the expectations of its own employees.
MAP
Google Maps users in the US will be able to view which driving routes use the least gasoline starting on Wednesday. It was previously announced in March that this functionality would be released in the future by the organisation. As a result of improved fuel efficiency, both gas prices and pollutants from vehicle exhaust are reduced. The default route on Google Maps will always be the most economical in terms of gas. For fuel-efficient routes, the app will show users which ones are faster so they can choose wisely. According to Google, European users will have the same option starting in 2022.
There is a possibility that doing so will cut CO2 emissions for individual Google Maps users in the long run. The average annual CO2 emissions from a passenger car are a little under five metric tonnes. For example, in the United States, where per capita emissions are some of the highest, a single individual may be responsible for around 18 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. On the other hand, in 2019, Google emitted 12,529,953 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2). That’s the same amount of pollution produced annually by 2.73 million cars.
Google’s new Lite Navigation for cyclists
For now, “Lite Navigation” is only available in areas where Google Maps offers cycling navigation. Without having to turn their screens on, bikers may view directions and other information about their journey. To make things even better, starting on Wednesday, the app will let users know about the neighbouring scooter and bike-share programmes in 300 different locations across the world.
TRAVEL
Carbon dioxide emissions will now be visible while searching for flights on Google as of Wednesday. Individual carbon footprints for each passenger will be shown for them to view. Choosing a business or first-class seat increases your carbon footprint because they burn up more of the plane’s fuel and produce more emissions as a result. Recent research shows that switching to a more fuel-efficient route can reduce CO2 emissions by as much as 63%.
Aside from that, Google has stated that it wants to increase its research into ways to reduce driving-related emissions by improving the efficiency of traffic lights. Google tested the AI-powered app in Israel, where it reduced fuel consumption and the junction delay time by 10% to 20%. From Rio de Janeiro, the initiative will spread to other cities across the world.
NEST
Google has begun rolling out a new service to US Nest thermostat owners, which will be available in the coming weeks. “Nest Renew” is the name of the system, and it allows customers to schedule their heating and cooling at times when the grid has more renewable energy available to use. As a crucial step toward making houses more energy efficient and lowering strain on power infrastructure during peak demand, this is a concept that energy experts and environmentalists have pushed.
Google will also offer a Renew Premium membership in “certain” markets, allowing customers to match their fossil-fueled electricity use with a little investment in renewable energy sources (through renewable energy certificates). The Verge has a comprehensive overview of Nest Renew if you’re interested in learning more.
Since 2007, Google has offset its own emissions rather than completely eliminate them, and it may now claim to be carbon neutral. While other tech companies have made similar promises to become carbon neutral, Google has taken the lead with its goal to run its offices and data centres exclusively on locally sourced carbon-free energy by 2030. Kate Brandt, Google’s chief sustainability officer, announced on Wednesday that the company’s data centres now use 67 per cent of sustainable energy.
