In contemporary society, it is not uncommon for industries to obscure the intricate production processes that underlie our interconnected world. This includes the complex network of machinery, energy consumption and resource utilization required to maintain the functionality of our modern way of life. The cloud, the space where we host vast amounts of information on the internet, is part of this invisible infrastructure. Yet many people are unaware of it. how much the cloud pollutes the environment.
Throughout the article, we will address not only the amount of pollution generated by the cloud, but also what measures can be taken to reduce this environmental impact.
How much does the cloud pollute the environment?
It may not seem like it, but every click or tap we make on our devices has an environmental footprint. From reading electronic newspapers instead of paper to sending emails instead of letters, these are actions we think are more environmentally friendly, but they also have an impact. The idea that browsing only websites can be classified as a minimalist trend is not always all that beneficial for the environment, because the cloud, despite being virtual, has a physical cost.
Every time we perform an internet search, we release 0,2 grams of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change. This number, although seemingly small, is magnified when we consider the massive use of the internet on a global level.
Running the Internet, including the cloud, requires a staggering amount of energy. In fact, it is estimated that 7% of total world energy consumption is intended to keep the network of networks afloat, from data centers to end-user devices.
Why does the cloud pollute?
The cloud is made up of gigantic data centers spread across the globe. These centers, which can be as large as several hectares, are filled with servers that store and process the data we upload and download on a daily basis. These servers require three things to operate: electricity to stay active, cooling to prevent overheating, and a constant connection to the internet, which translates into massive energy consumption.
For instance, an hour of streaming movie can generate as much carbon emissions as boiling water three times. Video calls, so common in the post-pandemic era, are also big generators of CO2. According to recent studies, one hour of video conferencing can rely on the same amount of energy as a car traveling 5 km.
Data centers that support cloud infrastructure are currently responsible for 0,3% of global carbon emissions, a number that is growing as more people connect to the internet and store more data in the cloud. If we include the use of connected devices, that percentage could extend to 2%, a figure that is expected to increase in the coming years as internet use continues to expand.
What do big tech companies do?
Big tech companies are aware of the impact their services have on the environment. Companies like Google, Amazon, Facebook and Microsoft have started taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint.
- Amazon Web Services (AWS): Amazon says migrating to its cloud can reduce companies' carbon emissions by 88% as they work with renewable energy for its data centers. However, the constant growth in Internet use continues to increase the demand for energy.
- GoogleGoogle has committed to using 100% renewable energy since 2017, being the largest buyer of renewable energy worldwide. They have invested in wind and solar projects in Latin America, Europe and the US.
- Microsoft: It is betting on green data centres and aims to ensure that by 2025, 100% of the energy used comes from renewable sources. In addition, it has tested underwater data centres to reduce cooling consumption.
In addition, these companies are innovating with technology that reduces the impact of their activities, such as free air cooling or the use of artificial intelligence to optimize the energy consumption of data centers.
Tips to reduce digital pollution
The environmental impact of the cloud can be reduced with individual actions. Small changes in our digital behavior can make a significant difference:
- Reduce unnecessary data usage: Close browser tabs that we are not using and do not leave tabs open for long hours.
- Avoid excessive use of video calls: Video calls consume more power than voice calls or text messages.
- Turn off automatic updates: From apps and videos on your smartphone to save data and energy.
- Using green search engines: Some search engines, like Ecosia, plant trees for every search you perform.
Perhaps the easiest way to reduce our digital footprint is to be more aware of our online actions. Every time we share a large file or watch a series in high definition, we are consuming a quota of energy that has a real impact on our environment.
Furthermore, it is important that we push large companies to use renewable energy sources for the majority of their infrastructure. By making informed decisions and being aware of our impact on the network, we can contribute to reducing the environmental impact of the cloud.
Big tech companies need to continue investing in sustainable solutions, but as individuals, we can also contribute by using our everyday technologies responsibly.