What exactly is the carbon footprint of an internet search? Is an internet search bad for the environment or is it more complex than that? Here’s everything you need to know.
Using the internet itself is not the main problem. It’s where we’re drawing power from to do it. Most data centres that power internet searches are run on fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change.
• Data centres for internet searches are powered by renewable energy. • Factories switch to renewable energy.
It’s hard to say exactly how much CO2 one Google search emits. However, according to Medium, Google searches emit 700kg of emissions every single day.
The most environmentally friendly search engine is Ecosia. This sustainable search engine is a certified B Corp and uses 80% of the income generated by search ads to plant trees.