Revealed: the environmental impact of Google searches
Performing two Google searches from a desktop computer can generate about the same amount of carbon dioxide as boiling a kettle for a cup of tea, according to new research.
While millions of people tap into Google without considering the environment, a typical search generates about 7g of CO2 Boiling a kettle generates about 15g. “Google operates huge data centres around the world that consume a great deal of power,” said Alex Wissner-Gross, a Harvard University physicist whose research on the environmental impact of computing is due out soon. “A Google search has a definite environmental impact.”
I knew it. All along, it’s been those Volvo driving, brie eating, global warming googlers who’ve been killing us. File this in the “counter intuitive” knowledge department. The article goes on to say world wide internet usage is worse than the airline industry for global CO2.
And we already knew the Prius is worse for the environment than the Hummer! So the next time you see some holier-than-thou type googling for the lowest price gas station from his guilt-laden Prius on his cell phone (doubtless killing birds with extra radiation emissions), just drive over him with your Hummer. And smile while you’re doing it: according to 1 Peter 4:8 , “Love covers a multitude of sins,” and you KNOW you love your Hummer.
