This Tuesday, Google is setting a new standard for sustainability tech with its freshly minted suite of environmental APIs. Unveiled at the Google Cloud Next event, these APIs are about to be a game-changer for businesses and local governments, making it easier than ever to adapt to the increasing demands of climate change.

The interest in rooftop solar panels increased by 60% last year, which is impressive

Building upon its 2015 Project Sunroof, Google is introducing the Solar API that modernizes the solar evaluation process. The API covers a whopping 320 million buildings in 40 countries, making the task of evaluating a property’s solar energy potential practically a breeze. Google’s VP of Geo Sustainability, Yael Maguire, highlighted that interest in rooftop solar panels jumped by 60% last year alone, showcasing the growing market need for streamlined solar solutions.

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But Google isn’t stopping at solar. Recognizing the immense public health value, Google is also launching an Air Quality API, which proved instrumental during California’s 2021 wildfires. This new API will analyze multiple data sources, from meteorological sensors to traffic conditions, offering precise air quality insights for over 100 countries.

And let’s not forget about the Pollen API, an upgraded version of its existing Maps layer. Given the increase in temperature and greenhouse gas emissions, more pollen-producing plants are popping up around the world. This API aims to make daily life easier for people suffering from seasonal allergies by providing detailed allergen information and heatmaps.

These APIs represent Google’s commitment to reduce a gigaton of carbon equivalent emissions by 2030. According to Maguire, the new tools are poised to give “individuals, cities, and partners” the information they need to make greener choices. Starting August 29, developers can integrate these APIs into their services, giving them the power to be part of a larger environmental change.

So, here’s the takeaway: Google is taking real-time environmental data mainstream, giving us the tools to tackle climate change one API at a time. And if you’re a developer, you’ve got a unique opportunity to be part of this transformative journey.

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