Impact

1. Growing data usage: The increasing demand for data-intensive services, such as video streaming and cloud storage, drives the need for more data centers and network infrastructure, which consume energy and generate emissions.
2. More connected devices: The growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the expanding number of connected devices require additional network resources and infrastructure, leading to increased energy consumption.
3. Rapid technological advancements: New and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and 5G networks, demand more computational power, which could result in higher energy consumption and emissions.
4. Increasing e-waste: The short lifecycle of electronic devices, coupled with a lack of recycling and proper disposal systems, can lead to an increase in energy-intensive manufacturing processes and, consequently, emissions.

African priority:

• 139 internet users→ (2030, digital carbon emissions are projected to be 20% global carbon emissions)
• Rapid Urbanization / Globalization→ (Increased environmental users)
• Reliance on digital Operations→ (Usage expected to increase by 50% in the next 5 years)

Everyone has their own niche in the climate movement and it will take all of us working in our own way to catalyze change.