Global photography platforms continue to reduce emissions, invest in climate solutions, and support conservation.
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SmugMug and Flickr have earned recertification under The Climate Label, reaffirming their commitment to measurable climate action and environmental responsibility. The recognition comes after a comprehensive review by The Climate Change Project, which verified each company’s carbon footprint, reduction targets, and investment in high-quality climate solutions.
SmugMug, a family-owned company founded in 2002, acquired Flickr from Yahoo in 2018, uniting two global platforms that today host billions of images and serve photographers worldwide. Together, they share not only a mission to support photographers but also a responsibility to protect the natural world that inspires their communities.
The Climate Change Project’s independent review verified each company’s carbon footprint, reduction targets, and investments in high-quality climate solutions.
- Flickr reported 755 metric tonnes of CO₂-equivalent (tCO₂e) in 2024 – approximately equal to the annual emissions of 168 gas-powered cars. The company invested $68,545 in climate solutions, exceeding requirements by more than $57,000.
- SmugMug reported 2,701 tCO₂e – the equivalent of emissions from 602 gas-powered cars and invested $40,515 toward climate solutions, exceeding its minimum requirement by 72%.
Both companies are investing in projects such as the Serverless Migration Project, designed to reduce data-center energy use and improve efficiency.
As global photography platforms, SmugMug and Flickr witness every day how photography connects people to nature. A recent Flickr and The Conservation Alliance survey found that 95% of photographers believe losing access to open spaces would hurt their work or passion, with nearly 90% earning at least part of their income from capturing these landscapes. Their work inspires tourism, fosters education, and builds support for conservation.
“Photography helps build a better world by reminding us what’s worth preserving,” said Ben MacAskill, President and COO of SmugMug + Flickr. “This recertification is about more than a label. It’s a promise to keep protecting the places that inspire our communities.”
Flickr is also a proud member of 1% for the Planet, dedicating a portion of revenue to vetted environmental nonprofits tackling urgent climate and conservation challenges. In 2024, nearly 300 business members of 1% for the Planet contributed to the organization’s annual auction, raising more than $115,000 for environmental projects worldwide. In 2025, the goal is to exceed $125,000 in proceeds while expanding global engagement and awareness.
While recertification is an important milestone, climate action is an ongoing mission and journey for SmugMug and Flickr as an enduring promise to safeguard the landscapes, ecosystems, and communities that inspire photographers worldwide.
About Flickr
Flickr, founded in 2004, is the world’s largest photography community, committed to elevating the memories, artistry, and impact of all your photos. Fueled by passionate photographers for 20 years, Flickr provides users with the safest and most inclusive platform for sharing and connecting through photos and videos. Since its acquisition by SmugMug in 2018, these united brands have created the most influential photography-focused community in the world.
About SmugMug
For over 20 years, photographers around the globe have trusted SmugMug with more than their photos–they trust us with the memories they capture, their passion for the craft, and the success of their businesses. We provide working photographers the means to manage, showcase, and sell their photos through secure, customizable galleries and seamless e-commerce solutions. Together with Flickr and This Week in Photo, we are committed to continually thrilling our customers and building a better world through the power of photography.
About The Change Climate Project
Founded in 2019, The Change Climate Project (TCCP, previously Climate Neutral) is a 501(c)3 tech nonprofit aiming to accelerate global decarbonization. TCCP offers a climate certification, The Climate Label, and a suite of accessible GHG analysis and management tools. Responding to the planet’s need for urgent climate action, TCCP works to accelerate the transition to net zero by setting a high standard for climate leadership, and using sophisticated digital tools to make it easier to launch and grow climate initiatives. To learn more, visit changeclimate.org.
SOURCE Flickr
