Forget traffic lights as you know them. Google is taking urban traffic management to a whole new level with Project Green Light. Using data and algorithms, the project not only improves traffic flow but also contributes to a cleaner environment.
Welcome to the era of traffic lights 2.0
We are used to thinking of traffic lights as simple urban traffic control devices, but what if these intersection guardians became the new heroes in the fight against climate change? It's already happening, and among the operators in full activity there is Google, who is making this vision a tangible reality with his Project Green Light.
The project uses machine learning systems to analyze Google Maps data and calculate urban traffic congestion and waiting times at traffic lights. This information feeds artificial intelligence models that autonomously optimize traffic light times. The result? Reduced downtime, less braking and acceleration and, above all, a decrease in carbon emissions. The ultimate goal is to help Google partners collectively reduce their emissions by one billion tons by 2030.
From a small experiment to a global impact
Initially, Google's program (I'll list the details here) was tested at only four intersections in Israel, in collaboration with the Israel National Roads Company. The results were surprising: a 10-20% reduction in fuel consumption and waiting times at intersections. Now, the project is active in a dozen cities around the world, including Rio de Janeiro, Manchester and Jakarta.
And the numbers speak for themselves: Yael Maguire, Google's VP of Geo Sustainability, shared some impressive data. The first numbers indicate potential 30% reduction in stops at traffic lights. Furthermore, the test in Manchester showed a up to 18% improvement in emissions and air quality levels.
Urban traffic and greener world, traffic light by traffic light
The idea is to deploy these AI models across entire grids of neighborhoods, creating “waves” of green traffic lights that propagate. The introduction of Google Maps alone has reduced emissions: Maguire points out that it has “helped prevent more than 2,4 million tonnes of carbon emissions”. That's the equivalent of taking about 500.000 fuel-powered cars off the road for an entire year.
Imagine crossing the city without ever having to stop the engine: we are only at the beginning of this green revolution. With AI entering urban traffic management, the possibilities are endless.
Not only would it be a dream for every driver, but also a huge step forward in the fight against climate change.
