Environmental impact of digital devices

Overview

Energy use by devices and data centres, the manufacture of devices and rare earth elements, replacement cycles, disposal and recycling, and ways technology can help.

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

   What environmental issues are linked to digital devices?

   Model answer

   Devices affect the environment through the energy they use, the materials needed to make them and the way they are thrown away. Frequent replacement makes each of these worse.

2. 2

   Why does the energy consumption of digital devices matter?

   Model answer

   Devices, networks and data centres use large amounts of electricity. Much of that electricity still comes from fossil fuels, which release carbon dioxide.

3. 3

   How can the energy used by a device be reduced?

   Model answer

   Devices can use power-saving modes and switch off when idle. Energy-efficient processors and screens also use less electricity.

4. 4

   Why do data centres consume so much energy?

   Model answer

   Data centres run thousands of servers day and night. The servers give off heat, so powerful cooling systems are needed as well.

5. 5

   How does manufacturing digital devices harm the environment?

   Model answer

   Metals such as cobalt, lithium and gold must be mined, which damages land and uses large amounts of water and energy. Factories also release carbon dioxide and other pollution.

6. 6

   Why are rare earth elements an environmental concern?

   Model answer

   Rare earth elements are needed for parts such as magnets, speakers and screens. Extracting them produces toxic waste that can pollute soil and water.

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