Are You an Eco-Friendly Streamer?

The Environmental Impact of Streaming: How Our Digital Habits Contribute to Climate Change

• The demand for streaming and digital services is increasing rapidly, requiring vast amounts of energy to keep data flowing on the internet.
• The IT sector, from internet servers to smartphones, already has the same carbon footprint as the aviation industry's fuel emissions.
• The sector is expected to consume 20% of the world's electricity by 2030.
• Streaming video accounts for the biggest chunk of the world's internet traffic, and watching video at home is roughly equivalent to having two or three old-fashioned light bulbs on.
• Data centers, which store and distribute internet traffic, consume at least 1% of the world's electricity annually, and account for 0.3% of global CO2 emissions.
• The energy used by data centers comes from burning carbon-based fossil fuels, contributing to rising global temperatures.
• Data centers need to be powered by renewable energy sources to minimize emissions.
• The efficiency of devices affects the amount of energy consumed, with mobile phones being the most energy-efficient.
• Keeping data centers in cooler locations, such as underground, can reduce the energy required for cooling.
• Some large technology companies, such as Facebook and Apple, have committed to using 100% renewable energy to power their data centers.
• Scrutiny of smaller data center facilities and their energy consumption should be a priority for reducing emissions.
• The amount of energy consumed by digital habits, including streaming, can be reduced by being mindful of usage and supporting renewable energy projects.