Impact of IT on Environment.

21st century Information age or computer age Information technology Telecommunications 77% of world population owns mobile phones 4-5 % of world population owns PCs

Positive aspects of IT
Reduction in consumption of paper:
i)Use of digital database ii) Uses of e-books iii) Less letters more calls, SMSs and e-mails iv) Less greeting cards more online and text wishes

Reduction of use of writing and printing inks Reduction in transportation :

i)data transfer through e-mails , FAX, telephones and cell phones ii)shopping through e-marts iii)banking through e-banking and ATMs. iv) use of TELEMEDICINE.

 Compact space Reduction in cutting of trees Monitoring and controlling changes in the Earths environment through satellites Spreading awareness regarding environment through INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: using television, internet, radio channels and messages.

Negative aspects of INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Computers : Every single computer requires about 1.8 tonnes of chemicals, fossil fuels and water for its manufacture. Emission of about 0.1 tonne of carbon dioxide in a year. 2 per cent of worlds total carbon dioxide emissions Global warming Dumping of old computers in landfills - Soil pollution

 Electronic and electrical devices in IT E- Waste from IT Discarded electronic or electrical devices or their parts Such as Discarded Computers, Televisions, Monitors, Laptops, Cell Phones, VCRs, Stereos, Copiers, Fax machines.

 The cathode ray tubes (CRTs), which contain significant amounts of lead. Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) are illuminated by mercury-filled panels. Circuitry contain chromium, copper, and lead that exceed regulatory limits. The batteries contain such as lead, nickel, cadmium, silver, lithium, and other dangerous metals. Mobile phones and cell towers.

Mobile Towers
Mobile radiation: Effects on environment Farm animals - Dairy cows Decreased milk production spontaneous abortions, reproductive problems general declines in overall health. Sheep, dogs, cats, rabbits living near base stations affected.

 Mobile radiation: Effects on environment Birds Interfere with navigation, reproduction, thin shells. London - 75% fall sparrow population. Fall in Pigeons, swans, white stork, rock dove.

 Mobile radiation: Effects on Honey bees Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD): Abrupt disappearance of bees. Cannot find their way back to hive due disruption in intercellular communication. CCD has hit US (up to 70 %), England (54% fall), Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Greece, Scotland, Wales, Kerala etc.

Recommendations
The IT related industries (esp. the manufacturing ones) should reduce the use of toxic substances in products. Recycling plants and collection centers should be set up . Do not DESIGN TO Dump ! Instead, DESIGN TO LAST !!!