Study: Internet industry emits as much carbon as aviation industry

Information communications and technologies (ICT), such as the Internet, account for approximately as much carbon dioxide emissions as the aviation industry, or roughly two percent of the global total, according to research by the consulting group Gartner.

As telecommunications use around the world continues to expand rapidly, emissions will likely grow. At the same time, ICT will make existing technologies more energy efficient and may well reduce overall emissions, experts say…

“The spread of ICT in the developing world is sharply rising,” said Nirmalathas. “Therefore we need to recognize that the ICT use by developing countries will be a significant portion of the carbon footprint of the ICT industry. Also these markets are very cost sensitive. It becomes vitally important to realize energy-efficient and low cost ICT platforms and technologies to address these concerns.