Computers worse for environment than aviation

GLOBAL computer usage produces twice the greenhouse gases as the aviation industry, analysis suggests.

Figures from Lancaster University show emissions from computing account for almost four per cent of all greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere, compared with two per cent for air travel.

Previous studies had claimed that computing’s share of global emissions was between 1.8 and 2.8 per cent, however the researchers say this was an underestimate.

The study includes the life cycle emissions of various devices, including phones, laptops, cameras, smart watches, headphones, games consoles and speakers. It also reviewed the carbon footprint of data centres.

Previous estimates did not account for how much energy was required to make computers, the researchers say, as well as failing to include the carbon footprint of the manufacturers’ supply chains, energy consumption while using the product, and the environmental costs of disposing of computers.

It has been said that the technological advances made possible by computing will outweigh the industry’s direct emissions, but the researchers claim this is false. They warn emissions from computing are growing as demand increases.

“We know that ICT has an ever growing role in society and brings efficiencies to almost every corner of the global economy,” said study co-author Prof Mike Berners-lee, professor of social futures at Lancaster University.

“But its relationship to carbon reduction may not be as straightforward as many people assume.”