Computing 'poses climate change risk', claims charity

Energy Saving Trust , Friday, April 09, 2010
Correspondent : Posted by Emily Thomas
Environmental campaigners Greenpeace have highlighted the danger which computing developments could pose to the environment.

Cloud computing, a growing IT phenomenon, is based on the idea that data and other services can be accessed from one device, but stored on another.

With technology growing in capabilities, cloud computing is becoming more popular but, according to Greenpeace, it is increasing the emissions of the IT sector.

The charity reported that by 2020, cloud services such as data centres and telecommunication networks will consume around 1,963 billion kW hours of electricity - equivalent to the entire consumption of the country of France.

Casey Harrell, Greenpeace International campaigner, commented: "As the cloud expands, the IT industry's appetite for energy will increase, making it a major source of climate change unless the industry adopts and advocates renewable energy use and backs laws to cut global warming."

He added that the technology industry had the ability to be at the forefront of the fight against climate change through innovations such as smart grids, zero emission buildings and more efficient transport systems.

"But first," said Mr Harrell, "the industry needs to get its own carbon footprint under control".

 
SOURCE : http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Resources/Energy-saving-news/Renewable-energy2/Computing-poses-climate-change-risk-claims-charity/(energysavingtrust)/601836
 


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