It’s easy to ignore the impact of something if you can’t physically see it. The digital world is not tangible, and it’s hard to understand the effect it might have on the planet. As with all things in life, there is a positive and negative side to an increase in digital use.
We’re able to connect with people from all around the world and stay in touch with friends and family even when we live nowhere near them. And it’s not just the connection that the internet has helped with, but also education, inspiration, creativity and advancements.
But, the question remains, are we using it too much? And if so, what is the impact on our environment?
You might notice a change in the environment when you’re getting your daily series fix each night. While indulging in your nightly series routine, you may fail to perceive the environmental impact. Your mind is entirely engrossed in the events unfolding on the screen before you. However, what escapes your notice are the tangible carbon dioxide emissions generated to power the screen and play your show.
Energy consumption is an inevitable requirement for any device to function, including electronic screens. The scale of the issue is alarming, considering that nearly every household possesses at least one television and several computers, all of which may be running simultaneously.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the data centres and transmission networks that facilitate streaming accounted for 1-1.5% of the world’s total electricity consumption and 1% of the planet’s total energy-related GHG emissions (0.6% of total global emissions) in 2021.
The internet requires a considerable amount of energy to operate, primarily generated from the burning of fossil fuels such as petroleum, coal, and natural gas. In essence, the internet consumes a significant portion of our natural resources.
The carbon footprint of the internet is predominantly composed of activities such as online streaming and downloading, conducting online searches, storing data on cloud servers, and sending emails. Furthermore, the growing popularity of social media platforms has resulted in an exponential increase in the number of individuals accessing the internet daily.
According to 8 Billion Trees, “If one user spends time on 10 social media platforms for five minutes every day, the process would result in 20 kg of CO2 emissions per year. That is the equivalent of driving a passenger car for 52.5 miles.”
The internet isn’t going anywhere, so it’s up to us to use it wisely. We must become aware of the environmental impact of our internet usage and take appropriate measures to mitigate our carbon footprint. Even the smallest change can make an environmental impact. It is our responsibility to safeguard our planet for future generations by adopting sustainable internet practices.
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