Close Menu
    Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram X (Twitter)
    Blue Tech Wave Media
    Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram X (Twitter)
    • Home
    • Leadership Alliance
    • Exclusives
    • Internet Governance
      • Regulation
      • Governance Bodies
      • Emerging Tech
    • IT Infrastructure
      • Networking
      • Cloud
      • Data Centres
    • Company Stories
      • Profiles
      • Startups
      • Tech Titans
      • Partner Content
    • Others
      • Fintech
        • Blockchain
        • Payments
        • Regulation
      • Tech Trends
        • AI
        • AR/VR
        • IoT
      • Video / Podcast
    Blue Tech Wave Media
    Home » The carbon footprint of digital technology: From streaming to cloud storage
    Cloud Carbon Footprint
    Cloud Carbon Footprint
    Sustainability

    The carbon footprint of digital technology: From streaming to cloud storage

    By Tanee ShaoNovember 15, 2024No Comments5 Mins Read
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email
    • Streaming drives high energy use. Data centres that power streaming services consume vast amounts of electricity, with the increasing demand for high-definition content adding to the strain.
    • Cloud storage impacts energy use and e-waste. Storing data requires energy, and the disposal of outdated hardware from data centres contributes to growing e-waste.

    Streaming services, cloud storage, and online communication have made us more connected than ever. Yet, as we embrace a fully digital world, we must consider the environmental impact of our online activities. While digital technology offers many conveniences, it also adds significantly to our carbon footprint. The carbon emissions from the internet, streaming, and cloud storage are often overlooked, but they are both substantial and increasing.

    Also read: 5 important things to know about your Cloud Carbon Footprint

    How streaming contributes to carbon emissions

    Streaming has become a dominant part of our daily lives. Whether it’s watching films on Netflix, listening to music on Spotify, or joining virtual meetings on Zoom, streaming demands vast amounts of data transfer worldwide. However, behind every stream lies an energy-intensive infrastructure.

    Data centres, the backbone of the streaming industry, store and process the content we access online. These facilities, which house thousands of servers, are major electricity consumers. In fact, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), data centres account for nearly 1% of global electricity use. Although many tech giants are shifting towards renewable energy for their data centres, the global demand for digital services is still rising. This growth is driven by improvements in streaming quality and increasing demand for high-definition content.

    Moreover, transferring data across networks also requires energy. When we stream, our devices send and receive data from distant servers. This involves energy consumption in both data centres and the networks that carry the data. The more we stream, particularly in high-definition or 4K, the more energy is used.

    Also read: Carbon trading explained: Top 4 carbon emission exchanges in 2024

    The role of cloud storage

    Cloud storage has changed how we store and access data, making it easier to keep files, photos, and videos available anywhere. However, like streaming, it relies on large data centres to store and manage the information we upload. The energy required to store, back up, and retrieve data can be substantial.

    The environmental impact of cloud storage goes beyond energy use. It also includes the lifecycle of the hardware in these data centres. Servers and storage devices have a limited lifespan. When they are no longer useful, they often become e-waste. Disposing of this waste responsibly is a growing challenge, especially as data volumes increase and demand for cloud services rises.

    The hidden costs of digital activities

    Cloud storage has changed how we store and access data, making it easier to keep files, photos, and videos available anywhere. However, like streaming, it relies on large data centres to store and manage the information we upload. The energy required to store, back up, and retrieve data can be substantial.

    The environmental impact of cloud storage goes beyond energy use. It also includes the lifecycle of the hardware in these data centres. Servers and storage devices have a limited lifespan. When they are no longer useful, they often become e-waste. Disposing of this waste responsibly is a growing challenge, especially as data volumes increase and demand for cloud services rises.

    Mitigating the environmental impact

    The environmental impact of digital technology is significant, but there are ways to reduce it. Many tech companies, including Google and Microsoft, are investing in renewable energy, with goals to power their data centres entirely by clean sources. However, individual users can also take action to lower their digital carbon footprint.

    One effective step is limiting unnecessary streaming and optimising video quality. Watching videos in standard definition, instead of 4K, can cut energy usage by over 50%. Disabling autoplay on streaming platforms can also reduce the number of videos that load automatically.

    For cloud storage, regularly cleaning up digital files is helpful. Deleting unused files, images, and emails cuts down on the data that needs processing. Additionally, opting for cloud providers that rely on renewable energy can further lessen your digital impact.

    The future of digital sustainability

    The digital world is here to stay, and the demand for streaming, cloud storage, and online services will only grow. However, increasing awareness of the environmental impact of digital activities offers hope for a more sustainable future. As technology evolves, so will solutions to reduce its carbon footprint. From energy-efficient data centres and greater use of renewable energy, to more sustainable online habits, both the tech industry and users can help lessen the environmental impact of our connected lives.

    Ultimately, understanding and managing the carbon footprint of digital technology is crucial in the fight against climate change. By making informed choices and advocating for greater sustainability in the tech sector, we can ensure our online lives don’t harm the planet.

    carbon footprint cloud storage streaming Technology
    Tanee Shao

    Tanee Shao is an intern reporter at BTW Media, having studied at Kings College of London. She specialises in fintech. Contact her at t.shao@btw.media.

    Related Posts

    GS2E: Boosts data systems for Côte d’Ivoire energy sector

    July 25, 2025

    NOCMA Malawi: Ensuring national fuel security

    July 23, 2025

    ONEA Burkina Faso water and sanitation utility

    July 21, 2025
    Add A Comment
    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    CATEGORIES
    Archives
    • July 2025
    • June 2025
    • May 2025
    • April 2025
    • March 2025
    • February 2025
    • January 2025
    • December 2024
    • November 2024
    • October 2024
    • September 2024
    • August 2024
    • July 2024
    • June 2024
    • May 2024
    • April 2024
    • March 2024
    • February 2024
    • January 2024
    • December 2023
    • November 2023
    • October 2023
    • September 2023
    • August 2023
    • July 2023

    Blue Tech Wave (BTW.Media) is a future-facing tech media brand delivering sharp insights, trendspotting, and bold storytelling across digital, social, and video. We translate complexity into clarity—so you’re always ahead of the curve.

    BTW
    • About BTW
    • Contact Us
    • Join Our Team
    TERMS
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms of Use
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube LinkedIn

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.