Environmental Issues in Computer Science

Introduction

• New computer technologies raise various issues beyond technical feasibility, including:
  • Ethical
  • Privacy
  • Legal
  • Environmental
  • Cultural
• This note focuses on the environmental issues related to computer science.

Demand for Computing Technology

• Increasing demand for technology impacts the environment significantly.
• Notable sales figures:
  • Nintendo DS: 154 million units
  • Xbox (including Xbox One and Xbox 360): 160 million units
  • PlayStation (1-4): 450 million units
  • Smartphones: 1.5 billion units
• High demand for natural resources, like silicon, which are limited.

Manufacturing and Energy Consumption

• Manufacturing a computer requires 10 times its weight in fossil fuels.
  • Comparison: Cars and refrigerators need fossil fuels equal to their weight.
• Despite increased efficiency, the continuous operation of data centers is energy-intensive.
  • Data centers account for 2% of the world's energy consumption, comparable to air travel.

Disposal of Computers

• Computers contain harmful materials:
  • Dioxins
  • Chromium
  • Mercury
  • Cadmium
  • Radioactive isotopes
• Disposal issues:
  • Equipment often shipped to countries with lower disposal standards.
  • People scavenge waste for metals, exposing themselves to hazardous chemicals.

Recap

• Harmful materials in technology pose significant risks.
• Disposal in countries with lower standards exposes individuals to dangerous conditions.
• Environmental impact of technology requires careful consideration and management.