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.

 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.

 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.

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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