Our lives
have become more comfortable with the advent of modern technology. The process
of industrialization began opened new opportunities to earn a living and
improve life. But the quest for development, progress, and a better life did
not end there, but continued and opened another new chapter, the age of
technology.
It was a
period of rapid scientific discovery, standardization, mass production, and
industrialization from the late 19th to the early 20th century. Beginning with
the colour camera TV and continuing with magnetic tape and transatlantic cable
in the 1950s, this led to rapid improvements in mass communication. It was the
second phase of industrialization. But progress continued and eventually, we
reached an age we call the digital age. It opened numerous possibilities and
opportunities for a better and more improved lifestyle. Information and
communication became the most important tools of this digital revolution. It benefits are many i.e. easy sharing of
information through internet, email, social media provide people ample
opportunities to work together on different issues, helping to connect people
in a meaningful way without costly expenses, going paperless- storing large
amount of data electronically etc.
But all these come with a price. Developing technology to do
all positive things causes many environmental problems. Smart phone, computers
have metal components to make them work such as iron, aluminum and gold. And
metal need mining, which causes water pollution, air pollution, carbon
emission, noise pollution, dangers to human health and destroys ecosystems and
also contributes for climate change. But
the story does not end here; when newer technologies come, people discard their
old electronic devices to purchase new one. Currently the world throws away 6.5
billion dollars worth of electronic every year and only 20% is recycled. These
e-waste can have toxic components should not be dumped into landfill. Good news
is e-waste can be recycled and
precious metals can be reclaimed, which helps reduce the amount that needs to
be mined in the future. The plastic can also be recycled and reused.
Collecting, storing and processing of data also consume lots
of energy and creates a lot of heat. Digital activity has become a multifaceted
entity, streaming of movie and music, online gaming, crypto currency trading,
digital banking, sending tweet or surfing the internet etc.Though these mediums
are beneficial but it often comes with a price. They are sending data and
companies need to use power to process that data and which resulted in
emissions. Streaming video uses an extraordinary amount of energy, “the average
CO2 consumption of streamed online video is more than 300 million ton per year,
the equivalent of Spain’s annual emissions according to a 2019 study by the
shift Project. Moreover, the energy consumption level by digital technology has
increased by almost 70%, between 2013 to 2020.
But this digital technology can
also be used to find solution for sustainable consumption and production
pattern and also can be helpful in managing environment. This digital
revolution can also be used to combat climate change, advance global
sustainability, environment protection and human well-being. Data and information is essential to build awareness of the state
of our planet, to influence consumer behaviour .
Dr. Sumitra Mohanty,
Coordinator, Research, Documentation and Communication, PECUC
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