Ecosia

Description

Ecosia is a search engine that uses its profits to plant trees around the world. It functions similarly to other search engines, using Microsoft's Bing as a foundation, but distinguishes itself by allocating a significant portion of its ad revenue towards reforestation efforts. Users can support environmental initiatives simply by conducting web searches through Ecosia's platform.

• ecosia’s search platform generates millions in profits every month and, as of the q1 2024, has used these yields to plant over 200m trees around the world
• with each query, users remove 1kg of co2; via estimation that tree absorbs 50kg of co2 over 15 year lifespan
• does not sell data to 3rd party advertisers; powered by microsoft bing
• powers data center through renewable energy (proprietary solar plant)

What Makes it Regenerative?

• supports ecosystem remedation
• creates network effects
• enables measuring and monitoring of regenerative actions
• helps inspire
• empowers people to contribute to reforestation efforts passively through their everyday internet searches
• works with local communities to target tree planting
• targets biodiversity risk zones, planting over 500 different native species across 35+ countries

Business Model

Similar to other search engines, Ecosia displays ads alongside search results. However, instead of solely maximizing profits, Ecosia commits the majority of its ad revenue to planting trees worldwide.

Risks & Limitations

• Algorithmic search presents risks around confirmation bias; greenwashing concerns
• Reliance on microsoft’s bing, for-profit search leaves ecosia vulnerable to changing terms or technical flaws
• Limited features compared to larger search giants