The growing environmental impact of electronic communications

Rethinking the environmental impact of digital communication

Digital communication is often seen as a “green” alternative to paper. Emails, cloud storage, and online account management offer fast, efficient, and cost-effective solutions. However, there is a growing environmental cost behind our digital world, as rising energy consumption, extensive use of rare-earth minerals, and significant water demands highlight the hidden consequences of digital infrastructure.

For example, server farms that power digital communication consume vast amounts of electricity and water: a recent report found that ChatGPT’s water usage is four times higher than earlier estimates.

Leading tech companies like Google and Amazon are even exploring nuclear energy to power their massive data centres, which account for a significant and growing share of global electricity consumption.

In North America, the first half of 2024 saw a 24% year-over-year increase in data centre capacity, with more centres under construction. By the end of 2024, the world will have over 5,000 colocation data centres, projected to grow by 50% by 2030. Similarly, hyperscale data centres used by major cloud providers like Amazon and Microsoft, are expected to increase from 523 in 2024 to 738 by 2030.

The environmental toll of digital infrastructure is staggering: server farms consume enormous amounts of energy and water, and the production of digital hardware relies heavily on resource-intensive processes. While paper alternatives are often dismissed as environmentally harmful, digital solutions have their own significant environmental footprint.

The growing challenge of e-waste

Consumer devices like smartphones, laptops, and smart appliances also contribute to the problem. Millions of these products are manufactured each year, requiring rare-earth metals and generating massive amounts of e-waste.

In 2022 alone, 62 billion kilograms of e-waste were generated globally – yet only 22% was properly recycled. Poor e-waste management releases toxic materials like mercury and harmful plastics, creating environmental and health risks.

Paper: a sustainable option

In contrast with popular belief, paper is one of the most sustainable materials available.

In Europe, 79% of paper is recycled, and production is supported by responsibly managed forests certified by rigorous standards like FSC and PEFC.

These practices promote biodiversity and ensure forest regeneration.?

While switching to digital might seem more eco-friendly, research shows that digital alternatives can have equally damaging lifecycle impacts.

Balancing environmental choices

As businesses strive for sustainability, evaluating the full environmental impact of communication methods is crucial. Digital solutions may save paper, but their reliance on energy-intensive infrastructure and finite resources comes with a cost.

On the other hand, responsible paper use and recycling offer a circular, renewable approach to communication.

Let’s not fall for the myth that digital is always greener. By understanding the true environmental impact of both digital and paper-based communication, we can make more informed and responsible choices for a sustainable future.

Sources

‘Thirsty’ ChatGPT uses four times more water than previously thought

Two Sides UK article