Pixels to Pollutants by Nicole Nguyen

Without tangible cues or visible indicators of the envi­r­o­n­­mental impact, individuals may fail to recognize the connection bet­ween their digital activities and carbon emissions. This lack of awareness can lead to a sense of ignorance and detachment from the consequences, hindering motivation to adopt sustain­able practices or make informed choices to reduce their digital carbon footprint.

In a study spanning 10 days, 10 participants meticulously tracked their digital activities through text messages, emails, websites, hours spent on social media platforms, video calls, and video streaming. The data was utilised to estimate the carbon dioxide emissions produced by data centres, which store data on large hard drives and rely on continuous cooling systems. The findings reveal the carbon cost of the participants’ online activities.

Acknowledging the systemic nature of this issue is crucial, as it is deeply rooted within the structures and operations of our digital ecosystem. Structural changes across multiple levels, including technological innovation, policy interventions, and shifts in consumer behaviour and corporate practices, are required to make a quantifiable difference in fostering sustainable digital practices for the future.