Through a YouTube video posted on October 6, 2021, Google announced new features to help users reduce their carbon footprint. It should be noted, the most recent functions will serve the Search, Maps, Travel and Nest services, in addition to being focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In keeping with Google and its zero-carbon vision, the first search engine tool will direct users to pages with high-quality information related to climate change. This is when users search Google for topics related to this phenomenon. Likewise, technology has the intention that when an Internet user intends to buy something, they will receive recommendations in favor of the environment. According to The Verge, it is known that this function will be available for searches of all types of appliances and cars, at the moment only in the United States.
As for the Maps or Google Maps function, people will be able to see which driving routes are the most efficient in terms of fuel consumption. It is important to mention, Google will use this option by default and until 2022 users in Europe will be able to count on the function. Which means, the update will help Google Maps users individually reduce their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. In addition, for cyclists, Maps offers a type of “Navigation Lite”, which allows cyclists to view directions and details about their route without having to leave the screen on.
About the new Travel features, users will be able to observe the CO2 emissions associated with each flight they take and can even see how their choice of seat affects their individual carbon footprint. As a fact, The Verge mentions, something as simple as choosing a business class or first class seat can increase the amount of pollution for which a traveler is responsible. This is due to the space which it can occupy in the first class, therefore it contributes to a greater proportion of the aircraft’s emissions. Another piece of information is Google announced plans to expand its research on how to reduce emissions from driving cars by allowing traffic lights to direct traffic better.
Finally, the Nest feature is intended for people in the United States who have Nest thermostats. The feature is called “Nest Renew” and it allows users to automatically switch their heating and cooling at the right times. This is a strategy that energy experts have promoted to make homes more energy efficient and reduce their carbon footprint. As a latest piece of information, in 2020 Google committed to running its offices and data centers with locally sourced carbon-free energy by 2030. Upon which, Kate Brandt, Google’s chief sustainability officer, said Google’s data centers are up and running. with 67 percent clean energy.
In closing, for Global Warming to slow down, it is up to all the inhabitants of planet Earth to achieve this. Therefore, it is relevant that companies with a large reach such as Google are implementing functions to reduce the carbon footprint.
