The search for sustainability
How people are searching reveals the global desire to do more for our planet
6-minute read
Every day, people turn to Google to ask questions, discover something new, or learn about what’s important to them. This year, search interest reveals that the desire to learn about and practice sustainability is trending worldwide.
Discover how Google is helping people find the information they seek to make more sustainable choices every single day.
TRAVEL
Reducing emissions
with alternative ways to travel
A person bicycling through a forest and taking in the fresh air.
Worldwide, search interest for electric vehicles reached an all-time high in March 2022.1
1 Based on Google Trends data when comparing Google Search interest from January 2004 to March 2023.
Transportation is one of the largest sources of CO2 emissions. From getting to work to planning a vacation, learn how Google is making it easier than ever for people to find more sustainable options.
U.S. search interest in sustainable transportation reached a 10 year high in September 2022.2
2 Based on Google Trends data as of March 2023, when comparing Google Search interest from January 2004 to March 2023.
SHOPPING
Providing people with more options to shop sustainably
A person with shopping totes walking down a street.
Worldwide, fast fashion is the top trending topic related to environmental issues over the past year.3
3 Based on Google Trends data as of March 2023, when comparing Google Search interest for the past 12 months.
Everything people buy or dispose of has an impact on the planet. That's why it's so important to source materials responsibility and keep materials in use for longer. From clothing and cars to appliances and services, learn how Google is giving shoppers access to more sustainable options and helping companies source responsibly and reduce fashion waste.
U.S. search trends show zero waste and circular economy
are both breakout search topics in 2023 so far.4
4 Based on Google Trends data as of March 2023.
ENERGY
Making progress towards clean energy
A wind farm on top of grassy rolling hills.
Global search interest in renewable energy reached an all-time high in March 2022.5
5 Based on Google Trends data when comparing Google Search interest from January 2004 to March 2023.
Finding ways to make home energy use more efficient can help people save money and reduce their impact on the planet. There are various ways to improve energy use, like LED bulbs and energy-efficient appliances, but the most notable impact comes from changing the energy source. From calculating the impact of going solar to helping people save on energy bills by automating home heating and cooling, Google is helping communities accelerate the transition to clean energy. Learn how Google is helping homeowners save money on home energy.
U.S. search interest shows offshore wind power is currently being searched more than ever before.6
6 Based on Google Trends data when comparing Google Search interest from January 2004 to March 2023.
7 Google calculated total savings numbers by estimating how much energy all our customers would have used if they hadn’t bought a Nest Thermostat and just left their old thermostats at a constant temperature.
Helping build a more sustainable world
Google is making efforts to maximize our contribution to global climate solutions and global-scale decarbonization. We’re continuously creating products and sharing information to help everyone make more sustainable choices.
Celebrating Earth conservation with Google’s annual Earth Day Doodle
The 2023 Earth Day Doodle highlights Earth conservation and is crafted entirely from real leaves. The artwork depicts a community of animals taking action to prevent climate change including opting for zero-emissions transportation, solar panel use, more sustainable food choices, recycling, and hang-drying laundry for energy conservation.
