The Shift
The Old Way: Search Engines Extract Value
Traditional search engines generate billions in profit from ads while contributing to climate change through massive data center energy consumption.
- Google generates $200B+ annually from search ads
- Data centers consume 1% of global electricity
- Tech profits rarely flow to environmental causes
- Deforestation continues at 10M hectares annually
The New Way: Every Search Plants Trees
Ecosia uses Bing's search technology and generates ad revenue like any search engine, but dedicates 100% of profits to tree planting projects globally.
- 100% of profits to climate action
- Steward-ownership prevents sale or mission drift
- Runs on 200% renewable energy
- Transparent monthly financial reports
The Story
Founded in 2009 by Christian Kroll after a trip around the world showed him the devastating effects of deforestation.
Ecosia is a search engine that donates 100% of profits to tree planting and climate action.
Proof Points
Trees planted through Ecosia-funded projects
Monthly active users of the search engine
Approximate monthly ad revenue
All profits go to tree planting
Deep Dive
Innovation
Ecosia proved that everyday digital activities can fund environmental restoration at scale. No donation required—just use a different search engine.
Circular Model
The model is beautifully simple: searches generate ad revenue, ad revenue funds trees, trees sequester carbon. They publish monthly financial reports showing exactly where money goes.
Community Impact
Ecosia funds projects in 35+ countries, prioritizing biodiversity hotspots. Projects employ local communities and focus on native species restoration.
Business Results
Ecosia has become one of the largest privately-funded reforestation organizations. The steward-ownership model ensures the company can never be sold or forced to abandon its mission.
Key Takeaway
What if the attention economy—usually blamed for distraction and outrage—could be redirected to fund planetary restoration? Ecosia shows that infrastructure-level change is possible.
Founder Pathway
Can license search technology; main cost is user acquisition
Best for tech entrepreneurs wanting to build mission-driven alternatives to incumbents