Environmental Issues

Environmental Issues in Computer Science

• Environmental Impact: Computer science has a significant effect on the environment. This includes the manufacture, use, and disposal of computer hardware and other electronic devices.

• Energy Consumption: Operating computers and servers requires a significant amount of electrical power, which often comes from non-renewable sources. This contributes to global warming and climate change.

• E-Waste: Electronic waste (or e-waste) is a serious environmental problem. Disposing of old or broken electronic devices in landfills can release harmful toxins into the environment.

• Planned Obsolescence: Some tech companies intentionally design products to become obsolete, or no longer useful after a certain period. This drives consumers to regularly upgrade their devices, leading to increased manufacture and more electronic waste.

• Sustainable Computing: This refers to practices that seek to minimise the negative environmental impact of computer science. This can include using renewable energy sources, recycling electronic devices, or designing systems for durability and longevity.

• Green Computing: Also known as green IT, this involves using computers and technology in a way that is environmentally responsible. This can include reducing energy consumption, disposing of electronic devices properly, and promoting the sustainability of IT services and infrastructure.

• Data Centres & Cloud Computing: Both require large amounts of energy to run, leading to high CO2 emissions. Companies are exploring ways to make these services greener, such as using renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and designing facilities to reduce environmental impact.

• Responsible Design and Use: Making ethical decisions in the design and use of technology can help minimise its environmental impact. This includes considering the full lifecycle of a product, from manufacture to disposal, and choosing options that are more sustainable.