Digital activity generates a carbon footprint on the planet. Whether we have unread emails, store documents in the cloud or watch our favorite series, all of these activities have an environmental impact.
Decreasing it is important when it comes to counteract the effects of climate change in our ecosystem. We tell you what impact some of the most common actions have and how you can reduce it.
digital carbon footprint: what is it due to?
To be connected, thousands of kilometers of cables are required that are housed in the depths of the sea. The large volume of information we consume is stored on servers, which They require energy and water to function properly. And maintenance.
However, to decrease this hydraulic footprint and energy, they are usually located in places with low temperatures, where the servers can cool down naturally.
This infrastructure that makes it possible for us to be connected, causes CO₂ emissions they end up in the atmosphere. As a consequence, the actions carried out in the digital sphere have, to a greater or lesser extent, an environmental impact.
digital carbon footprint in figures
It is estimated that the same represent between 1.8% and 2.8% of the total. Sending an SMS from a cell phone produces 0.014g of CO₂, while a WhatsApp message is equivalent to 0.2g of CO₂.
Sending an email with an attachment generates emissions equivalent to the electrical consumption of a light bulb for an hour.
Just a 4-minute video on YouTube generates the equivalent of 17 grams of CO₂. In one day, it is estimated that videos of more than 11 minutes are consumed on said platform, which in total is equivalent to 229 tons of CO₂.
According to a report published by the company of “streaming” Netflix, an hour using this application supposes around an emission of 55 grams of CO₂. That is the equivalent of preparing four bags of popcorn in a microwave.
How to reduce the digital carbon footprint?
As a user, you can reduce the impact of your digital activity with small actions. Turn off the camera in a video call, for example, reduces it by 61%.
Send emails only when necessary. Unsubscribe from mailing lists that do not interest you and keep your inbox empty. Reduce your connection time in social networks and on movie and series platforms. Store photos, videos and documents on an external drive, instead of using the cloud.
Make rational use of technology and the internet It is essential to reduce the impact that digital activity has on the planet.
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Sources:
20minutos.es
The Conversation