Google Unveils Sustainability Commitments Ahead of COP27

Google announced a series of commitments towards greater sustainability efforts in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region ahead of the COP27, which will be held in Egypt this month.

A new feature called eco-friendly routing will be launched on Google Maps to help users choose the most fuel-efficient route. 

Users can specify their vehicle's engine type — petrol or gas, diesel, hybrid or electric vehicle (EV) — to get the most accurate fuel or energy efficiency estimates. 

The feature is expected to launch in Egypt in the coming weeks and in more countries across MENA in 2023.

Feature on Google Search will enable travelers to look for eco-certified hotels and flights with lower carbon emissions across the MENA region.

“Climate change is certainly one of the most urgent global challenges today. The commitments we are making unify Google's practices, partnerships, and products to help foster greater sustainability in the Middle East and North," Anthony Nakache, Managing Director for Google in MENA, said.

Nakache added: "COP27 will help us continue to look into new policy measures and corporate commitments that will help Google and other companies reach higher emissions reductions in the next decade.”