Donna Malena The UK is becoming more ethical according to Google searches
New Google Maps data shows the UK is becoming more interested in saving the planet, but their time-lapse satellite images display the devastating effects of climate change
The tech company say that searches for old and recycled clothes have increased over the last year, with five times more people looking for “used clothing store” on Google Maps.
Interest in electric vehicles has also risen, with searches for electric cars doubling since March 2021. The number of searches for donation centres has also doubled, and the number of people looking for waste management services on Google Maps has risen by 86%.
Matt Brittin, Google president for EMEA Business & Operations, said: “These trends show how enthusiastic the UK is about making sustainable choices.”
To help people make more informed ethical decisions, the technology company has adapted some of their online tools. New features include showing the most fuel-efficient routes in Google Maps and displaying carbon emissions in Google Flights.
The search data was released to celebrate Earth Day, along with time-lapse pictures that show the effects of climate change.
The Google Earth satellite images were included in the Google Doodle feature and show how the glaciers have retreated on Mount Kilimanjaro between 1986 and 2020 and in Sermersooq, Greenland between 2000 and 2020.
Coral bleaching on Lizard Island, Australia from March to May 2016 can also be seen, demonstrating the impact bleaching episodes have on the Great Barrier Reef.
Images of the Harz Forests in Elend, Germany between December 1995 to 2020 show deforestation occurring over 25 years. Much of the forests were destroyed by bark beetle infestation due to rising temperatures and drought.
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Glacier retreat in Sermersooq Greenland. Images taken in December 2000 and December 2020 by Google
