Apparently the question of how much greenhouse gas emissions can be traced to a single Google search is the hottest topic on the internets.
Research from U.S. physicist Alex Wissner-Gross says a single search produces 7g of CO2. Google says, nuh uh, it only produces 0.2g CO2—less than your personal computer generates while running it. Lots more here.
There may be some value in drawing attention to the substantial carbon footprint of the IT industry, but by the time this kind of thing gets filtered through the media it ends up yet another story about how every human action is a source of guilt and shame. Now they want us to search Google less?
In fact, the emissions of Google searches is a goofy distraction. As Joe notes, the internet has been a phenomenal driver of energy efficiency and dematerialization. Imagine how much clueless driving around has been eliminated by Google Maps!
Simple people
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Bart Anderson Posted 3:27 am
13 Jan 2009
Many prominent sites are, however, increasing emissions through software errors and other problems, which increase the time - and energy - needed to access them. The emphasis on Google in the articles seems to be rather misleading. Google isn't really the issue - it's the entire structure of the web, including personal computers, networks, as well as the server farms.
Since electricity for PCs is the dominant factor, the most effective response would be energy-efficient PCs and turning them off when not in use. Turning to green sources of electricity would reduce the carbon footprint.
Dr. Wissner-Gross's point about the inefficiency of much web software is a good one. It's all too easy to design a website to be an energy hog. That's one of the reasons I've argued against needless complexity in website design. Simple interfaces also reduce the time you spend waiting for an article to display.
Bart
Energy Bulletin
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