A recent study, backed by the German government states that high-definition videos and games increases the global carbon footprint significantly.
The report was published by Germany’s Federal Environment agency and showed the calculated amount of carbon dioxide produced by data centers. These data centers are used to store material for streaming that transmits videos and games to the consumers.
In the report, the researchers highlighted that streaming videos over a fiber optic cable yields the lowest amount of CO2 emission – around 2 grams per hour. However, using copper cables enhances double the amount while 3G mobile technology increases the amount of CO2 emission to a whopping 90 grams per hour.
Additionally, the report suggests that streaming over next-generation mobile technology, also known as 5G would potentially increase the carbon dioxide emission to 5 grams per hour.
In this regard, Christian Stoll, an energy expert who wasn’t part of the study said that the figures seemed believable. However, he said that the researchers didn’t take into account the amount of electricity consumed by the devices used to watch the streaming videos.
He further explained that the numbers only indicate a significant part of the total emissions.
Nevertheless, the study did provide an overview of the digital infrastructure and how it can be used to bring up a better climate. Experts also suggested that using Wi-Fi hotspots instead of mobile networks will also be a more climate-friendly option for average users.
Read next: PUBG Earns $500 Million In Two Months After Reaching $3 Billion Lifetime Earnings
The report was published by Germany’s Federal Environment agency and showed the calculated amount of carbon dioxide produced by data centers. These data centers are used to store material for streaming that transmits videos and games to the consumers.
In the report, the researchers highlighted that streaming videos over a fiber optic cable yields the lowest amount of CO2 emission – around 2 grams per hour. However, using copper cables enhances double the amount while 3G mobile technology increases the amount of CO2 emission to a whopping 90 grams per hour.
Additionally, the report suggests that streaming over next-generation mobile technology, also known as 5G would potentially increase the carbon dioxide emission to 5 grams per hour.
In this regard, Christian Stoll, an energy expert who wasn’t part of the study said that the figures seemed believable. However, he said that the researchers didn’t take into account the amount of electricity consumed by the devices used to watch the streaming videos.
He further explained that the numbers only indicate a significant part of the total emissions.
Nevertheless, the study did provide an overview of the digital infrastructure and how it can be used to bring up a better climate. Experts also suggested that using Wi-Fi hotspots instead of mobile networks will also be a more climate-friendly option for average users.
Read next: PUBG Earns $500 Million In Two Months After Reaching $3 Billion Lifetime Earnings
