Sustainability in Tech (2/2)

 

Powering Our World 

 

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Contemporary climate change encompasses both global warming and the resulting shifts in weather patterns. Anthropogenic climate change (caused by human activity) is closely linked to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly CO2 and CH4, carbon dioxide and methane, respectively.

Main sources of rapid growth in GHG emissions.
Source: INCO 

Where do emissions come from ?  

1. Burning fossil fuels 
2. Certain agricultural practices (livestock farming)
3. Energy intensive processes (cement, steel)
4. Forest loss 

If we aim to reduce emissions, we need to know where they are coming from and the sectors that contribute the most.

Emissions by sector
Source: Our World in Data

* Electricity from renewables has experienced an increased over the past decade. Solar and wind power are expected to drive about two-thirds of the global growth in renewable energy. In 2021, China led this expansion, contributing nearly half of the worldwide increase, followed by the U.S., the EU, and India.

* Travel-related emissions are among the easiest to estimate because we have reliable data on the energy efficiency of different transport modes and the sources of the energy they use.

* For instance, driving an electric vehicle in countries like Scotland or Costa Rica is especially climate-friendly, since most of their electricity comes from renewable sources. Costa Rica relies on a mix of solar, geothermal, and wind energy, while Scotland generated 97% of its electricity from renewables (mainly wind) in 2022.

Share of electricity production from renewables
Source: Our World in Data

Which type of transportation emits the least CO2 per passenger?

• Combustion engine cars
• Combustion engine buses
• Trains
• Planes

In terms of CO2 emissions/passenger, the following modes of transport can generally be ranked from lowest to highest as follows:

1. Trains: The most energy-efficient form of transport with the lowest emissions, particularly when electric trains consume electricity coming from renewable energy sources. 
2. Combustion engine buses: Buses accommodate more passengers therefore resulting in lower CO2 emissions per person compared to combustion engine cars. This also depends on factors like engine efficiency and occupancy.
3. Combustion engine cars: Cars powered by internal combustion engines emit more CO2 per passenger than trains or buses, particularly when occupancy is low and emissions can vary depending upon the vehicle's fuel efficiency.
4. Planes: Flying is one of the most carbon-intensive ways to travel per person, not only because of the energy needed to stay airborne but also due to the amplified climate impact of emissions released at cruising altitudes.

What can we do ?

To reduce emissions from your email usage (as most GHG emissions come from the data centres that handle our mails):

• Regularly delete archived emails 
• Block and delete spam
• Opt out of unnecessary subscriptions
• Send links to shared documents instead of emails containing a high volume content (attachments)

Browse & Stream Wisely

1. Use bookmarks and precise search queries: Every online search consumes energy, as it activates data centers and network infrastructure. By bookmarking frequently visited sites and using specific search terms, you reduce the number of redundant searches, cutting down on unnecessary energy use

2. Turn off autoplay for videos and previews: Autoplay features on social media and websites can load and stream videos you didn’t intend to watch, consuming bandwidth and energy. Disabling these features helps minimize data transfer and lowers emissions from streaming

3. Enable your camera only when necessary during teleconferences: Video conferencing uses significantly more data than audio-only calls. Turning off your camera when it’s not essential (especially in large meetings) can reduce the energy demand on both your device and the network

A carbon footprint is the total amount of GHGs (carbon dioxide + methane) that are generated by specific actions (e.g. travel, food, or manufacturing of a product). Carbon footprints can be reduced by:

• Energy Efficiency: Use efficient lighting and HVAC systems to reduce energy consumption.
• Remote Work: Promote telecommuting and virtual meetings to cut travel-related emissions.
• Waste Reduction: Apply circular economy principles like recycling and minimizing packaging waste.
• Carbon Offsetting: Invest in renewable energy or reforestation to compensate for remaining emissions.
  
  

What can we do as a society? 

• Eat less meat
• Take less flights
• Line dry your clothes
• Switch to cleaner energy providers
• Avoid unnecessary use of your car

How does global warming impact cities and biodiversity ?

Global warming raises urban temperatures, and this effect is worsened by urban development, which creates "urban heat islands" (areas that trap heat, reduce humidity, and degrade air quality). These conditions increase health risks. However, thoughtful architectural design and urban planning can either worsen or help reduce these impacts.

Global warming isn't the only danger facing the natural world; its consequence, climate change, is severely affecting both land and water ecosystems, along with the diverse species they support. Rainforests, especially the Amazon, play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide. As one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, the Amazon stores up to 100 billion tons of carbon. Protecting these vital carbon reservoirs is essential to limiting the effects of climate change.

Key take aways

• The internet and digital technology impact climate change and contribute to a digital carbon footprint.
• Making better digital devices and services matters in fighting climate change.
• Smartphones and websites can be made more environmentally friendly with methods such as replaceable batteries, easy repairability, energy-efficient modes, use of recycled materials, and carbon-neutral packaging.
• Individuals, organisations, companies, and governments can take small steps to lower their carbon footprint, such as reducing travel emissions, using better energy providers, and designing more sustainable technology.
• Green IT companies and services in different countries are providing sustainable solutions by using renewable energy, changing their manufacturing processes, and helping people make better environmental choices.
  
  

Digital Tool

Use this calculator and estimate the yearly carbon footprint of your commute using several transport options:

Flying somewhere? How can I contribute to the environment with EcoTree?

References

1. INCO Group
2. Our World in Data