The Hidden Costs of the Internet: How It Contributes to Global Emissions
The Dark Side of Connectivity
The internet, a fundamental part of modern life, is not as eco-friendly as it seems. In fact, the infrastructure behind the internet, including cables, circuits, and processors, is responsible for 25% of global pollutant emissions. This staggering statistic highlights the need for awareness and action to mitigate the environmental impact of our online activities.
The Hidden Energy Costs
According to Maria Prado, campaign manager for Energy, Climate and Mobility at Greenpeace, the energy consumption required to power the internet is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. "Even if smoke doesn’t come out every time we click on our computer, we have to be aware that there is a lot of energy behind it, emitting large amounts of greenhouse gases," she warns.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence
Big tech companies have set a goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2030, but their progress has been disappointing. Google, for example, has increased its emissions by 50% since 2019. The culprit, according to companies, is the rapid growth of artificial intelligence. To support AI development, data centers are being expanded and installed around the world, resulting in increased greenhouse gas emissions.
The Importance of Water Conservation
In a global context of drought, water remains a crucial resource for the internet industry. However, cooling data centers requires huge amounts of drinking water, which is unsustainable in the face of climate change. "Drinking water, which in the context of climate change, does not seem to make much sense," says MarÃa Prado.
A Call for Regulation and Action
Greenpeace warned in 2017 that the internet, if it were a country, would be the fifth most polluting in the world. Governments and big tech companies must work together to implement regulations and reduce the environmental impact of the internet. The future of our planet depends on it.