TechCrunch Startup News Ecosia has offered to take ‘stewardship’ of Chrome. And it’s not a bad idea.
Aug 25, 2025
A Berlin-based non-profit is making waves with a daring proposal to control Google's Chrome browser. They're aiming to transform it into a foundation that invests its earnings into climate initiatives. This bold move emerges amidst ongoing antitrust discussions, raising intriguing questions about monopolies and sustainability. The potential for billions in climate funding is just the tip of the iceberg!
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Ecosia's Stewardship Proposal
- Ecosia proposed a 10-year stewardship of Chrome to fund climate projects instead of a traditional divestiture.
- The plan would redirect about 60% of Chrome-generated revenue to environmental initiatives while preserving Google's IP and default search role.
Money Redirected To Climate
- Ecosia estimates Chrome could generate $1 trillion over the next decade and wants most of that spent on climate work.
- They propose paying Google 40% of revenue and using the rest for rainforest protection, agroforestry, and green AI investments.
Ecosia's Background And Capability
- Ecosia is a Berlin-based nonprofit that donates millions per month and partners with NGOs in over 35 countries.
- The company already uses Google for search and offers its own Chromium-based browser, showing operational overlap.