Carbon Costs of the Internet: Analysing Emissions from Digital Consumption
Carbon Costs of the Internet: Analysing Emissions from Digital Consumption
Richa Vakharia, Prakhya Shah, Anmoul Desai, Integrated MS
Anmoul Desai, BA (Hons) in Psychology
Abhiram Srikanth, BA (Hons) in Physics
Supervisors
Professor Jinraj Joshipura, Amrut Mody School of Management
Project Details
Increasing data-intensive technologies like streaming, social media, and cloud storage take a toll on the environment. As part of the project, students assessed the environmental impact of online activities (low and high data intensive) and developed a policy framework to reduce carbon emissions associated with digital consumption. They quantified the carbon footprint of various online activities, focusing on their energy consumption and the resulting carbon emissions. Additionally, they explored the biological implications of extended digital device usage, particularly the strain on human eyes caused by prolonged exposure to screen radiation.
By integrating these perspectives, students created a comprehensive carbon tax model, assessed its potential financial impact, and provided actionable recommendations for reducing the digital carbon footprint. The results aimed at promoting sustainability in digital consumption by influencing individual behaviours and corporate practices, contributing to a broader shift towards responsible digital engagement.