iPad launch forecasts a “cloudy” future for IT carbon emissions

“Make IT Green” CloudComputing and its Contribution to Climate Change”,

shows how thelaunch of quintessential cloud computing devices like the Apple iPad, whichoffer users access to the “cloud” of online services like social networks andvideo streaming, can contribute to a much larger carbon footprint of the ITsector than previously estimated.

Thereport builds on previous industry research (2) that shows that at currentgrowth rates data centers and telecommunication networks, the two keycomponents of the cloud, will consume about 1,963 billion kilowatts hours ofelectricity in 2020, more than triple their current consumption and more thanthe current electricity consumption of France, Germany, Canada and Brazil --combined. (3) However, the report also shows how IT can avert climate chaos bybecoming a transformative force advocating for solutions that increase the useof renewable energy.

“Asthe cloud expands, the IT industry’s appetite for energy will increase, makingit a major source of climate changeunless the industry adopts and advocates renewable energy use and backs laws tocut global warming,” said Casey Harrell,Greenpeace International campaigner. “IT companies like Microsoft, Google, andIBM are now in powerful positions at the local, national, and internationallevels. They must use that influence to promote policies that will allow themto grow responsibly without helping to fuel climate change.”

Facebookrecently announced the construction of its own data center in Prineville,Oregon, running primarily on coal. By choosing energy company PacifiCorp, autility that sources the majority of its power from coal-fired power stations,Facebook missed a chance to promote the use of renewable energy and insteadreinforced the coal industry's grip on the United Sates power grid. (4)  

“TheICT sector has the ability to help us combat climate change by doing what it isbest at – innovating to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energyefficiency,” Harrell said. “Technologies that enable smart grids, zero emissionbuildings and more efficient transport systems are key to cutting climatechange pollution. But given the current pace of growth in cloud computing, theindustry needs to get its own carbon footprint under control.” (5)

Greenpeacecalls on IT industry giants to put their might behind government policies thatgive priority grid access for renewable sources like wind and solar energy. ITcompanies should also support economy-wide climate and energy policies aroundthe world that peak emissions by 2015.