15 Years Of Google’s Earth Day Doodles

We've come a long way since 2001

By Dave Gershgorn | Published Apr 22, 2016 9:41 PM

Environment

One of the more abstract doodle, Google looks up into the tree canopy in 2010.

One of the more abstract doodles, Google looks up into the tree canopy in 2010. Google

2001

Google’s first Earth Day doodle was in 2001, and it featured two views of the Earth. (This is the highest-resolution image we could find—digital images have gotten way better since 2001.) Google’s first official doodle for a holiday was in 2000, for Bastille Day.

2002

The second doodle was a bit more reserved, with only one “O” replaced by the Earth.

2003

Aliens, potentially Google employees, observe Earth from space in 2003’s Earth Day doodle.

2004

Returning to Earth, a very happy fish jumps from a pond in 2004’s doodle.

A simple nature scene with a purple bird. Might be one of these! *Google*

2006

Google promotes solar energy in 2006’s doodle. In 2016, Google uses renewable energy to power 35 percent of its data center operations.

2007

A chilling reminder of why solar energy is so important.

2008

This turtle is also chillin’.

2009

Google brings awareness about our reefs, which are now in dire trouble.

2010

One of the more abstract doodles, Google looks up into the tree canopy in 2010.

2011

This was the first animated Earth Day doodle, but it only plays correctly on Google’s site. Ah, the pre-GIF era.

2012

Instead of the traditional doodle, Google made a time-lapse of flowers growing in the shape of the company logo.

2013

Another animated doodle that cycles through day and night.

2014

The tiny critters of land, air, and sea made an appearance in 2014’s Earth Day doodle.

2015

Google returns to form, replacing an “O” with a spinning globe.

2016

Google went all-out in 2016, with five Earth Day doodles. Each represents one of Earth’s major biomes: the tundra, forest, grasslands, desert, and coral reefs. They’re all illustrated by Google Doodler Sophie Diao.