Current:Home > FinanceTrendPulse|You can now search for flights on Google based on carbon emissions -ProfitPoint
TrendPulse|You can now search for flights on Google based on carbon emissions
Oliver James Montgomery View
Date:2025-04-10 07:21:22
Now you can TrendPulsefly and take into account the environmental cost of your trip a little easier.
Starting Wednesday, search results on Google Flights will show users what the carbon emissions of their prospective trips will be so that a buyer can consider their environmental footprint in the same way they would price and duration, Google explained in announcing the new feature.
The company went with a color-coded system, with green signifying the most environmentally friendly flights, and with sorting options that allow users to prioritize carbon emissions when booking their trips.
Google lands on their final numbers by integrating third-party information from airlines and the European Environmental Agency. Numerous factors go into the carbon cost of a flight, including the type of plane being used, the route being taken, and even the number of seats on the aircraft, according to Google's Help Center.
Emissions from air travel are expected to triple
Google says the move is just part of its overall efforts to address climate change and make it easier for customers to choose sustainability. Last month, it joined the Travalyst Coalition, a group of brands committed to making sustainability the standard in the travel industry. Among other participants are popular travel websites like Booking.com and Tripadvisor.
"It's critical that people can find consistent and accurate carbon emissions estimates no matter where they want to research or book their trip," Google said.
Greenhouse gas emissions from commercial flights make up around 2% of the world's total carbon emissions, and are expected to triple by 2050, according to the International Council on Clean Transportation.
Some people are now shunning air travel
Amid growing concerns about climate change and ever-worsening natural disasters, some travelers have begun taking matters into their own hands. Groups like Flight Free are comprised of people who have committed not to use air travel, both as a means of reducing carbon emissions and as a way of sending a message to those in power that climate change is a priority, according to their website.
But the onus on making change isn't primarily on individual consumers; government officials are beginning to look to manufacturers to bear at least some of the burden.
Last year, the Environmental Protection Agency announced plans to make aircraft manufacturers in the U.S. match international emissions standards by 2028. The move was applauded by some as a step in the right direction, but others were less impressed; a coalition of 11 states and Washington, D.C., argued that the new rules would not actually substantially decrease emissions, according to Reuters.
veryGood! (7)
Related
- The 401(k) millionaires club keeps growing. We'll tell you how to join.
- Postmaster general is confident about ability to process mail-in ballots
- Kelly Ripa Reveals the Bedtime Activity Ruining Her and Mark Consuelos' Relationship
- FIFA aims for the perfect pitch at 2026 World Cup following fields called a disaster at Copa America
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- Deadpool Killer Trial: Wade Wilson Sentenced to Death for Murders of 2 Women
- Paris Paralympic opening ceremony: 5 things you didn’t see on NBC’s broadcast
- Harris, Walz will sit down for first major television interview of their presidential campaign
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- Horoscopes Today, August 29, 2024
Ranking
- $73.5M beach replenishment project starts in January at Jersey Shore
- Police fatally shoot man on New Hampshire-Maine bridge along I-95; child, 8, found dead in vehicle
- If you buy Sammy Hagar's Ferrari, you may be invited to party too: 'Bring your passport'
- Maryland awards contract for Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild after deadly collapse
- Sam Taylor
- Brittni Mason had no idea she was eligible for Paralympics. Now she's chasing gold
- Doctor charged in connection with Matthew Perry’s death to appear in court after plea deal
- Ohio regulators: Marijuana sellers can’t give out food from ice cream truck
Recommendation
Buckingham Palace staff under investigation for 'bar brawl'
Prosecutors in Arizona’s fake electors case dispute defendants’ allegations of a political motive
Biden restarts immigration program for 4 countries with more vetting for sponsors
Kelly Ripa Reveals the Bedtime Activity Ruining Her and Mark Consuelos' Relationship
Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
Powerball winning numbers for August 28: Jackpot rises to $54 million
Sigourney Weaver chokes up over question connecting her movie roles to Kamala Harris' campaign
NFL roster cut deadline winners, losers: Tough breaks for notable names