Whether we are watching a streaming service, playing online games, engaging with YouTube or scrolling social media we are seeing digital ads. And these ads have a carbon footprint.
Computers (including server farms) don’t make a lot of noise or spew exhaust, but they all use electricity and electricity generation often produces carbon.
In 2020, Google’s global network consumed electricity equivalent to 39% of New Zealand’s total consumption. Part of that global network includes serving digital ads. The advertisers on Google can understand the carbon footprint of their ads through Google’s reporting.
So not only can they know the cost and effectiveness of their ad, they can also understand their impact on greenhouse gas emissions. Will it change behavior? It remains to be seen, but gaining knowledge is a key step to adopt new ways.