Data Pollution
The hidden environmental costs of data and AI
In the digital age, tasks like sending an email instead of a letter, shopping online instead of visiting a mall, or holding a video conference instead of an in-person meeting seem like eco-friendly choices. However, these activities carry a hidden environmental footprint. The growing data economy has surged energy consumption, leading to data pollution—a critical yet often overlooked contributor to climate change.
Data pollution refers to the carbon footprint and other environmental impacts caused by the generation, collection, processing, storage, and use of data. As the world generates increasing amounts of data, the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry now accounts for a significant share of global CO2 emissions and energy consumption.
Shocking Figures
on Data Pollution
The digital landscape has redefined how we live and work, leading us to perceive actions like emailing and online shopping as green alternatives. However, this perception is misleading. Data pollution—a term that encompasses the carbon footprint and ecological repercussions of data activities—poses a serious challenge in our efforts to combat climate change.
The ICT industry significantly contributes to global CO₂ emissions and energy use. Below are key figures that underscore the environmental costs of our data-driven lifestyle:
CO₂ Emissions
Data centers contribute approximately 2% of global CO₂ emissions, comparable to the 2,5% emissions produced by the aviation industry.
E-Waste Generation
The ICT sector is responsible for generating 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste globally, with only about 20% being recycled.
Annual Data Center Emissions
The ICT sector is responsible for generating 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste globally, with only about 20% being recycled.
Electricity Consumption
Data centers are projected to consume up to 8% of the world’s electricity by 2030, compared to a 2% world’s consumption in 2020.
Energy Use vs. Storage Efficiency
Only 5% of stored data is actively used, meaning that a significant amount of energy is expended on maintaining digital waste.
Impact of Streaming Services
Only 5% of stored data is actively used, meaning that a significant amount of energy is expended on maintaining digital waste.
Water Use
On average, data centers consume 80-130 million gallons of water annually to maintain optimal cooling temperatures.
Carbon Footprint of Online Activities
Sending a single email generates an estimated 4 grams of CO₂, which, when scaled, contributes massively to emissions from digital communication.
ChatGPT's Carbon
Footprint
The estimated daily carbon footprint of ChatGPT alone is around 23 kg of CO₂, which is comparable to the emissions of a car consuming 10 liters of gasoline.
Understanding the environmental cost of data and artificial intelligence (AI) is essential for creatinga Sustainable Digital Future.
Toward a Sustainable Digital Future
As we navigate the digital age, it's vital to acknowledge the hidden environmental costs of our data-driven lifestyles. The rising figures of CO₂ emissions, energy consumption, and e-waste generation highlight the ecological consequences of our reliance on technology.
Eticas Foundation is dedicated to promoting accountability and sustainability through community-led audits of AI systems and digital processes. By scrutinizing practices in the ICT sector, Eticas ensures data handling meets ethical standards while minimizing environmental impact.
Addressing data pollution requires a collective effort from governments, corporations, and individuals. Through Eticas' audits, organizations can identify inefficiencies and implement strategies like data minimization and renewable energy transitions.
Addressing data pollution requires a collective effort from governments, corporations, and individuals. Through Eticas' audits, organizations can identify inefficiencies and implement strategies like data minimization and renewable energy transitions.
Together, we can integrate ethical considerations and environmental responsibility into our digital practices, fostering a sustainable future that enhances lives while protecting our planet.
