The Environmental Toll of Digital Technologies

This study delves into the complex connection between digital technologies and environmental sustainability in the face of the worsening climate crisis. It presents two different stories: one praises digitalization for its improved efficiency and less waste, while the other cautions about the environmental impact of energy-consuming data centers and growing electronic waste. As temperatures increase worldwide, the need for immediate action becomes more pressing. Despite being seen as abstract, digital technologies depend greatly on physical infrastructures, which have a substantial impact on the environment. Thinkers such as Guillaume Pitron, Kate Crawford, and Benedetta Brevini question the positive perceptions of technology by exposing how misinformation conceals its impact on the environment. The paper underscores the importance of informed public discussion and working together to tackle the environmental challenges of digitalization, highlighting the significance of evaluating the ecological effects of digital technologies for a truly sustainable tomorrow.