by Shawn Crowle

We live in an increasingly digital world, one where convenience and connectivity have become ingrained aspects of our daily lives, but have we considered the sustainability impacts of our online activities?

We often think of digital technology as a green alternative to traditional communication and work methods, but the truth is much more complex, and while the digital revolution has brought efficiency and innovation to many aspects of our day, it has also left a surprising mark on the environment.

Energy Consumption and Carbon Emissions

The underlying infrastructure that supports our digital world – data centers, servers, transmission networks and more – all require vast amounts of electricity to operate and cool. In fact, according to estimates, global data centers and transmission networks alone account for approximately 1.5% of the world’s electricity consumption, a figure that will continue to grow as we continue to grow our digital community.

This consumption translates directly into emissions. The carbon footprint of streaming videos, for example, is far greater than many realize, especially when you consider the entire transmission chain of energy use. This impact is set to grow even faster with the recent boom in artificial intelligence. In fact, Google recently reported a 13% increase in emissions in 2023 – attributed primarily to the demand of AI on their data centers.

The information and communications industry contributes approximately 4% to global emissions – a figure comparable to that of the entire aviation industry.

E-Waste

The increasingly rapid pace of technological advancement has led to a high turnover of devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops leading to an ever-increasing amount of E-waste. Without proper disposal or recycling, these devices can also lead to hazardous materials leaching into soil and waterways.

The Human Factor

Beyond the physical, measurable impacts on our environment, digital practices also have a large impact on our global community as a whole. Studies show the severe impacts social media and constant connectivity can have on our metal health, as well as the developmental impacts digital practices can have on children.

The mining of materials for electronics has been linked to human rights abuses and conflicts in some regions, while the disposal of e-waste, often shipped to developing countries, poses health risks to workers and the general population.

How are the Tech Companies working to reduce this impact?

Many tech companies, including Google, Apple, and Microsoft, have committed to using 100% renewable energy for their operations. This involves investing in solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources to power data centers and office spaces while at the same time, they are actively working to improve the energy efficiency of their data centers through advanced cooling technologies, innovative design practices and energy-efficient hardware.

At the same time, these companies are focusing on designing products with longer life cycles using recycled materials. For example, Apple now uses recycled aluminum in their products and offers a trade-in program when upgrading.

So what can we do as individuals?

While the environmental impacts of digital practices are significant, there are steps that we as individuals can take to mitigate these effects:

• Stream wisely: Stream videos in lower resolutions when high-quality isn’t necessary and avoid autoplay features or download content for offline use to reduce the need for constant data streaming.
• Reduce Energy Consumption: Use energy saving settings on your devices to minimize power consumption and turn devices off when not in use.
• Manage E-Waste: Donate or sell functioning devices when upgrading, or, take advantage of trade-in programs offered by many companies in order to extend the life cycle of your device.
• Utilize Cloud Storage Wisely: Regularly clean up and organize your cloud storage to avoid data bloat.
• Be Mindful: Unsubscribe from newsletters or services you no longer use and reduce the number of emails you send and be mindful of the amount of screen time you spend on non-essential activities.

By adopting these practices, individuals can contribute to reducing the environmental impact of communications technology and support a more sustainable digital future.