Environmental impact of data
Submitted by Violaine Louvet
Digital technologies enjoy an image as a non-polluting industry that can contribute to solving environmental problems. In reality, far from their dematerialised image, they have concrete and direct negative impacts on the environment at the different stages of the ICT life cycle: resource extraction, manufacturing, transport, use and end of life via the waste generated. In addition to direct impacts, the use of digital technology creates indirect effects and rebound effects.
Each phase of the life cycle of data thus introduces its own cost: storage, transport on networks, handling with computers, backup and finally, long-term archiving, etc.
The aim of this meeting is to take stock of this subject and to see what means of action are available to us, at all levels, to reduce these impacts.
Collaborative session notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/13ilvElZFuQ1jfyJwodF2m5mXrkZtyWR24pKH__9HQCM/edit?usp=sharing
The session is not yet fully finalised but we plan to address the following points:
- General introduction to the issue
- The issue of infrastructure
- the question of uses
with feedback, and to leave room for discussion and exchange in a format to be identified.
The presentations and discussions will be based in particular on the work carried out in France by the EcoInfo Group (https://ecoinfo.cnrs.fr), and this meeting will be an opportunity to build international collaborations on this subject.
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