Read our Op-Ed here!

For our final project, our group was really interested in the intersection between the realm of digitization and its effects on the environment. Recently, our world has increasingly developed new technology that will radically change the way we approach the digital world. For example, technologies like cryptocurrencies, block-chain technology, and data storage centers are becoming more prevalent as they ensure greater security, privacy, and efficiency for their users. However, at the same time, these new technologies require carbon-intensive computing power, which has significantly negative impacts on the environment. The environmental impacts of some of these new technologies can often be overlooked in favor of focusing blame on older technologies. We believe this is a highly relevant topic to address because we are all users of these technologies, whether it is through Apple’s cloud service, Google Docs, Amazon Web Services, or investing in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Our project synthesizes material from our class on Environmental Devastation, Information Chaos (only the parts relating to cybersecurity, not warfare or misinformation), and the Future of Existential Threats. The material from these classes are all interrelated with regards to our topics because we are assessing the environmental impacts of cyber technologies that promote security, and how the development of more cyber-technology like quantum computing could potentially ameliorate the negative impact on the environment.

We chose the Op-Ed style for our project because, as we researched these topics, we saw that most of the reliable information about the impact of new technologies on the environment was presented in research papers. While these papers are obviously necessary to investigate the topic carefully, it is also important to make sure that the public has an easy way to understand this information as well. We decided that writing an Op-Ed would allow us to write in-detail while still making the overall project accessible to the average reader. Additionally, an Op-Ed gave us the flexibility to include our own views and recommendations that we believe are important going forward. 

In our Op-Ed, we first provide information on how these technologies operate, which gives the reader an understanding of why the networks and computing power of these technologies require so much energy in the first place. Next, we provide evidence and data on how these technologies generate such a large carbon footprint and the scope of the impact on the environment. We also discuss changes that have been suggested to these technologies to make them more environmentally friendly. Overall, we stress the importance of seeking technologies and energy sources that can greatly reduce the carbon footprint needed for computing. If we don’t seek renewable energy sources to fuel these technologies over coal-powered electricity, this will make it difficult for countries to reach their state’s emissions goals in the long run. To provide a starting point for future discussion, we also investigate new developments such as quantum computing that have the potential to greatly reduce carbon emissions associated with computing. We conclude by providing framing and recommendations for ways to balance rapid technological development with the ongoing climate crisis. 

The examples and topics discussed in our Op-Ed are very well-connected with the major themes of this course. As with many of our readings for class, some of the articles we read surprised us with the potential connections to global catastrophe. When we researched data storage, we discovered that many of the largest technology companies go to great lengths to conceal how damaging the facilities really are for the environment, making it difficult to make accurate estimates on the total impact. This trend reminded us of our Environmental Devastation readings for class, where we read about many companies ignoring the harms of climate change so that they could prioritize their profits. From our experience in class and writing this Op-Ed, we realized that if we do not raise greater awareness to protect the environment and hold technology companies accountable for the damage they are doing, this could be the greatest threat to humanity right now. However, we also understood from the Information Chaos week, that there are many global harms that can arise from a lack of safe and private information storage. Mining for cryptocurrencies has repercussions on the environment, but these currencies only exist because they provide a real solution to the demand for more secure ways to transfer money. Collectively, we must balance all of these priorities as discussed in the Future of Existential Threats week. The impact of technology on the environment is a threat to everyone. People are using these digital tools around the world and it is accentuating the problem on a global scale, so solutions must also be implemented globally. 

This theme of globalization was central throughout the quarter, and we found it to be central in our Op-Ed as well. From our research, it is very clear that we need to come together to work on these issues. It is not the responsibility of only one country or company to save the environment. Consistently, week after week, the polls at the end of class revealed that the majority of students believed that societal transformation was necessary for us to avoid otherwise impending existential doom. This societal transformation would involve holding all countries and companies accountable for their actions, as well as making lifestyle changes and choices on an individual level to create a cleaner environment. The burden should not fall on one singular person or organization. Societal transformation would involve a movement in which everyone across the globe takes part in to ensure the future of civilization. 

Guiding technological development will always be a difficult process, because of the sometimes-competing incentives for profit, security, and sustainability involved. Importantly, actions from all levels can help. Countries can invest money in sustainable data centers and quantum computing research, which can benefit everyone once advances are discovered. Companies can commit to carbon neutrality. Individuals can purchase products and services that align with their values, and vote for politicians who make addressing climate change a priority. By understanding the threats that humanity collectively faces, everyone can take action towards societal transformation and sustainable development.