Data centers are at the center of digital pollution
Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2025 6:25 am
Here are the figures as they are presented today. Digital technology is responsible for 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which is ahead of pollution linked to air transport. 47% of these CO2 emissions are linked to equipment, in particular to its manufacture, and 53% are due to data centers and network infrastructures. Although it is anchored in the collective conscience, data centers are not the real bête noire of the digital sector. In detail, the figures show that computer centers are in reality only responsible for 4 to 15% of the impacts of French digital technology, in particular due to innovations concerning less energy-intensive cooling techniques and the reuse of heat. In reality, it is not so much the data centers that are to be blamed, but rather the data that transits and is stored there as well as the manufacture of computer equipment.
Misconception #3: Deleting emails is one of the best ways to promote responsible digital technology
Deleting emails is one of the eco-friendly actions that we often hear about to have a responsible digital approach and which ultimately has a fairly low impact. It is the first action that comes to mind to pollute less. But, in reality, an email does not weigh much. On the other hand, it is necessary to prioritize the deletion of emails containing attachments and to think responsibly before sending. Because it is more the sending of an email that pollutes, much more than its storage, including for several months. So, do not rush to your mailboxes right away. Think instead about limiting the number of emails sent.
Misconception #4: It all depends on the search engine used
Similarly, the ecological impact of web searches remains quite low. We think we are doing thailand telegram right thing by choosing a so-called ecological search engine. However, these latter base their data on those of the search engine giants. From there, they consist only of an addition of code. A simple disillusionment much more polluting than we would have believed, because this addition of code gives rise to negative impacts such as the additional energy consumption for the transfer of information to the servers. So, if you change engines, it will not have the expected effect in terms of digital pollution. Finally, one of the best practices would be to go to a search engine that does not collect personal data and that does not rely on other existing engines, in order to approach digital technology in a responsible and confidential manner. Don't worry, we are preparing an article on best practices for you. So stay connected.
Misconception #3: Deleting emails is one of the best ways to promote responsible digital technology
Deleting emails is one of the eco-friendly actions that we often hear about to have a responsible digital approach and which ultimately has a fairly low impact. It is the first action that comes to mind to pollute less. But, in reality, an email does not weigh much. On the other hand, it is necessary to prioritize the deletion of emails containing attachments and to think responsibly before sending. Because it is more the sending of an email that pollutes, much more than its storage, including for several months. So, do not rush to your mailboxes right away. Think instead about limiting the number of emails sent.
Misconception #4: It all depends on the search engine used
Similarly, the ecological impact of web searches remains quite low. We think we are doing thailand telegram right thing by choosing a so-called ecological search engine. However, these latter base their data on those of the search engine giants. From there, they consist only of an addition of code. A simple disillusionment much more polluting than we would have believed, because this addition of code gives rise to negative impacts such as the additional energy consumption for the transfer of information to the servers. So, if you change engines, it will not have the expected effect in terms of digital pollution. Finally, one of the best practices would be to go to a search engine that does not collect personal data and that does not rely on other existing engines, in order to approach digital technology in a responsible and confidential manner. Don't worry, we are preparing an article on best practices for you. So stay connected.