Whether you’re using a search engine or AI to answer a query, there is a cost to the planet. Find out which options are the most sustainable.
The impact of a Google search
Every Google search has a carbon footprint of 0.192 gEqCO₂ (gram equivalent of CO₂).
According to writer Gerry McGovern, “Every year, 483,552 tons of CO2 are caused by us searching Google. You’d need to plant 48 million trees to deal with that sort of pollution.”
However, a single generative AI query is estimated to have a carbon footprint that’s four to five times higher than a search engine query.
How you can help
- Use an eco-responsible search tool: eg Lilo which funds social and environmental projects, or Ecosia, which uses searches and ads to fund tree-planting
- Aim to halve the number of searches you do each day. Could you try to solve that query instead? Could you focus on creating the best search query to find the answer you need first time round?
- If you’re a content creator, ensure your content is easy to find and navigate, so that your audience can reach it as quickly as possible
- Consider disabling Google’s AI Overview search feature from your results.