In this world of new technologies that are meant to make our lives easier people often don’t consider the effect their usage has on the environment. For all the hype that sending emails means we don’t have to print or send out letters or that video conferencing cuts down on travel, we are still using technologies that increase our carbon footprint.
It is true to say that companies who manufacture laptops, mobiles etc are becoming more environmentally aware but they are some way off from being totally green. Climate Group, a non for profit consultancy group have discovered that the information technology sector is growing rapidly and accounts for 2% of global CO2 emissions. That might not sound a lot but is comparable with the aviation industry! It is commonplace for us to see demonstrations at airports to stop runway expansion but when was the last time any campaigned against IT companies?
We all use technology. It might be fair to say that we are addicted to new technologies- just look at the hype that surrounds the launch of a new Apple product. We all want super fast broadband and we want it on the go. We want laptops that are paperlight and batteries that last for days. This all comes with an increase in CO2 emissions and is something that needs changing.
With developing economies in China and India all producing IT products the problem is global and not likely to disappear. Climate Group estimate that by 2020 emissions will have doubled adding 1.4 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. To put this in perspective that’s more than twice the current emissions of the whole of Britain!
Then there is the problem of the recession. The credit crunch is making companies put their obligation to the environment on hold. The bottom line is that going green costs money that companies don’t have or don’t want to spend. Telecommunication companies have the ability to go green but not the inclination. This is worrying considering that soon the industry will have to be seen to be reducing their CO2 emissions as part of UK legislation.
Whilst laptop computers are becoming more energy efficient the reality is that more people are buying them so CO2 emissions increase. Also trendy mobiles such as the iPhone use 60% more energy than standard handsets. Considering they are the best selling phone and other companies are creating iPhone style phones this is very detrimental to the environment. At the end of the day reducing CO2 emissions is not on the top of most people’s list when it comes to buying a phone.
So what can be done? In a world where technology is so important we are not going to stop people buying laptops or top range mobiles. Perhaps the answer lies in green energy- making the source greener will help offset CO2 emissions. Or perhaps we should campaign the IT industry as a whole to invest in greener technologies?
Ethical and Green will be identifying the greenest laptops and mobiles soon so we can make an informed choice about environmentally friendly technologies. If you have any suggestions let us know!
