Google Maps and Climate Change: Using AI to Help a Changing Planet

In 2020, global greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 7% due to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on travel and transportation. However, as people return to their daily routines, there is concern that carbon emissions will rise again. De-urbanization trends may lead to increased dependence on driving in smaller cities and suburbs, which could contribute to unsustainable living and higher carbon emissions. Google Maps has introduced a new feature that optimizes routes for lower fuel consumption based on factors like road incline and traffic congestion. This AI-driven approach incentivizes users to make environmentally friendly decisions, potentially reducing the carbon footprint of increased vehicle use across the country.