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In honour of Earth Day, Google has released data showcasing the top sustainability-related trends in Kenya.

Kenyan citizens are displaying a strong interest in environmental issues, searching for answers to questions and gaining knowledge about the pressing concerns of the planet.

The data highlights that Kenyans have the desire to understand environmental terms and concepts, such as global warming and climate change.

Global warming is the gradual increase in Earth’s temperature due to human activities, while climate change refers to the wider effects of global warming, including changes in weather patterns and more extreme weather events.

The most frequently asked questions on Google in Kenya include queries such as what global warming and climate change are, what causes global warming, what the Paris Agreement is, and what Kenya is doing to address climate change.

Google’s data also reveals the top trending topics in Kenya, showcasing a growing interest in environmental issues.

Searches about soil contamination are especially relevant for Kenya’s agricultural sector, while there is a shift towards responsible business practices with increased searches about environmental, social, and corporate governance.

Drought remains a pressing concern, following the devastating 2022 drought in Kenya, which was the worst in 40 years according to the International Red Cross.

The drought affected over 23 million people, or about 40% of the population, causing widespread food insecurity, livestock deaths, and displacement.

As a result, there is a growing sense of urgency to take action on climate change in Kenya.

The most frequently searched topics cover a wide range of environmental subjects that Kenyans are eager to explore, such as climate, climate change, solar power, solar energy, sustainability, pollution, flood, dairy farming, drought and electric vehicle.

Google is also contributing to environmental efforts in Africa, supporting AirQo, an initiative of Makerere University in Kampala, with a $1.3M AI Impact Challenge grant in 2019 to pioneer an innovative approach to low-cost air quality monitoring.

The second grant to Makerere has enabled AirQo to expand to six new African cities, including Nairobi, Lagos, Accra, Cape Coast, Kigali, Addis Ababa, and Dar es Salaam.

These collaborations demonstrate how technology can be utilized to address pressing global issues and empower communities.

Country Director, Agnes Gathaiya emphasized the importance of individual and collective action in addressing climate change saying, “Climate change is one of humanity’s most urgent challenges, and Earth Month is an opportunity for all of us to consider how we can make a difference. By providing accessible information on environmental topics, we hope to empower Kenyans to take action for a more sustainable future. It’s not just about what Google does; it’s about how we can all work together to protect our planet.”

The data reflect Kenya’s increasing awareness and commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. As the country faces unique challenges in combating climate change, such as droughts and soil contamination, the heightened attention to these issues is a testament to the growing public engagement on Earth Day and beyond.