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The environmental impact of computer science

The impact of digital technology on the environment has been both positive and negative.

Negative effects – energy consumption


All electronic equipment consumes electricity when it is working and also in its production
and when it is recycled.
As more people are using computers, tablets and smartphones then more electricity is
required, and electricity production has harmful effects on the environment.
Social networking makes the problem worse as all those uploaded files have to be stored
somewhere. They are stored on servers in huge data centres – in 2011 it was calculated that
there were half a million worldwide.
These consume vast amounts of electricity for
the running of the stacks of servers and more
importantly for cooling them down.
It has been estimated that by 2030, 40% of
the world’s energy consumption will be due to
the use of digital devices.

Negative effects – e-waste


‘E-waste’ is any waste created by electronic
devices that have been thrown away, as well as waste substances created in the
manufacture and use of electronic devices.

Often, they are dumped in landfill sites where toxic substances such as lead,
mercury and cobalt can get into the soil and the water supply from the landfills and
therefore cause health problems.

There are laws requiring everyone to dispose of used equipment safely so that it can be
recycled. It is also an ethical responsibility to fellow citizens and the environment.
Another ethical solution is to donate the equipment to charities who distribute it to people
who need it but cannot afford to buy it.
Many companies illegally send this e-waste to third world countries. Ghana in Africa has
become a huge dumping ground for e-waste from developed countries.

Positive effects
Computer science has also had a positive effect on the environment, the natural world and
our battle to reverse climate change.
Digital devices are used to monitor climate change by collecting information, transmitting the
data around the world, analysing it and allowing scientists to collaborate.
Computers use the data to build complex models which are used to understand the factors
affecting climate change and make predictions for the future. The models can be used to test
new solutions without having to further endanger the environment.
Computer software is used to design efficient devices to produce electricity from natural
resources such as wind and wave power. The designs can then be tested using computer
models without having to first build the models and then modify them in the light of the
results. Computer software is also involved in their production and installation.
Tracking devices using GPS can be used to monitor all animals and especially endangered
species to learn more about their habits such as migration routes. The results are analysed
by computer and complex models can be built to help improve conservation strategies.

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