
The world on the web has come a long way ever since Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web in 1989.
The UK is in the world’s top 20 countries on broadband subscriptions per 100 people with an average of around 39 per 100.
Across the world, just 13.76 per 100 people had a broadband subscription in 2017.
These numbers are likely to increase as more and more people get into the internet. Unfortunately, our collective behaviour of internet consumption is not sustainable for our planet in the long run.
The guide to global internet energy usage seeks to help bring online habits to people’s attention so we can make more energy-conscious consumer choices.
It covers:
The immense growth of internet users across the world and the countries with the highest number of people online as of 2020 (China and India lead the top two spots).
The massive amount of energy needed to power social media websites, online streaming, cryptocurrency, and cloud computing services.
An in-depth look at the carbon footprint that our online activities and consumption generate.
Here are some statistics about the effects our constant use of the internet is having on the environment:
A single email releases 4 grams of carbon dioxide CO2 into the atmosphere. It’s possible for one email with a large attachment to have a footprint of up to 50 grams.
One year of inbound mail for a typical business creates approximately 135kg of CO2.
Out of the 3.7% global emissions coming from the internet, 3.5% of that is from the information communications and technology industry.
Data centres worldwide are consuming around 1% of global electricity.
Netflix was responsible for 300 million tonnes of carbon dioxide globally in 2018.
A simple online Google search emits 0.2 grams of carbon dioxide.
To learn more about the Global Internet Energy Usage guide, you can view the full guide here: https://www.energyhelpline.com/help/a-guide-to-global-internet-energy-usage