How big is this increase?
The land and water footprints are similarly huge, and this is just for fixed-line internet.
But is there anything we can do to stop this trend?
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So big, in fact, that its easier to comprehend smaller, but equally shocking, numbers.
For instance, a “common video streaming service” uses 7GB per hour to stream video in 4K.
This creates 441 grams (almost a pound) of CO2 per day.
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This is particularly annoying.
So, step one is for everyone to turn off video on their calls unless needed.
How To Cut The Waste
The best fixes would come from the platform vendors.
Video streams could be auto-cut, the same way that audio can be auto-muted unless somebody is talking.
Apps should be redesigned to use less data.
The effects of this extra energy consumption are felt differently around the world.
Brazil, for example, gets almost 70% of its electricity from hydropower.
Its water footprint is higher than other countries, but its carbon footprint is much lower.
This, says Obringer, shows we shouldnt evaluate the environmental impact based solely on carbon emissions.
Its also important to avoid harming poorer countries further by dumping data centers on them.
But trends start small, and every little bit does help.
Youd also have a great excuse to keep your camera off during conference calls.
Who doesnt like that?
