Technology has significant environmental impacts that must be considered.
Key Point
| Negative impact area | Key issues |
|---|---|
| E-waste | Planned obsolescence, toxic materials, low recycling rates, export to developing countries |
| Energy consumption | Data centre demand, crypto mining, always-on infrastructure, manufacturing energy costs |
| Resource extraction | Rare earth use, conflict minerals, high water use in chip fabrication |
Key Point
| Positive impact area | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Smart grids | More efficient energy distribution |
| Remote working | Reduced commuting emissions |
| Digital documents | Less paper use |
| AI optimisation | Better logistics/heating efficiency |
| Environmental monitoring | Sensor-based pollution tracking |
| Renewable integration | Improved solar/wind management |