Environmental impacts of digital technology

Overview

The cost of making devices, e-waste and planned obsolescence, data centres and video streaming, the WEEE Regulations 2013, and ways technology can help the environment.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   How does the manufacture of digital devices harm the environment?

   Model answer

   Device manufacture uses large amounts of energy and water. Metals such as cobalt, lithium and rare earth elements must be mined, which damages landscapes.

2. 2

   What is e-waste?

   Model answer

   E-waste is discarded electronic equipment such as old phones and computers. E-waste contains toxic substances such as lead and mercury.

3. 3

   Why is e-waste a problem?

   Model answer

   Toxic chemicals from dumped devices can leak into soil and water. Much e-waste is shipped to poorer countries, where it is often burned or broken up unsafely.

4. 4

   How can the environmental impact of e-waste be reduced?

   Model answer

   Old devices can be repaired, reused or recycled so that valuable metals are recovered. Keeping devices for longer also means fewer new ones are made.

5. 5

   What is planned obsolescence, and why is it an environmental concern?

   Model answer

   Planned obsolescence is designing products to become outdated or stop working after a limited time. Users replace devices sooner, creating more e-waste.

6. 6

   Why does the short lifespan of mobile phones matter for the environment?

   Model answer

   Many people replace their phone every two or three years, even if it still works. Each replacement means more mining, more manufacturing energy and more e-waste.

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