# Rethinking Online Habits for Climate Action and Well-being
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Understanding the Carbon Cost of Internet Usage
In a world filled with long-distance flights, mouth-watering beef burgers, and ambitious space missions, one might begin to ponder the impact of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate change. However, have you ever considered that even writing an article on a platform like Medium contributes to CO2 emissions? Each sentence crafted here releases a small amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The extent of emissions varies based on your location and the energy sources powering the data centers you access.
Certainly, engaging with this content online generates less CO2 than indulging in a Big Mac (which releases 2.35 kg of CO2) or driving a gas-guzzling vehicle like a Humvee (emitting 327 g CO2/km). Yet, this digital engagement can be just as unnecessary as commuting in a massive SUV or treating yourself to that delightful burger. Research indicates that simply scrolling through Instagram can produce 1.5 g of CO2 per minute. Given that the average user spends approximately 53 minutes on the platform, this amounts to around 80 grams of CO2 if one scrolls continuously.
Additionally, sending an email with an image can generate 50 grams of CO2, while one minute of TikTok viewing results in 2.63 grams. The implications are clear: our internet usage, whether essential or not, has a tangible impact on the environment. As more people transition online, the time spent there continues to rise. Major tech companies don't just want us to be online; they strive for us to become fully immersed in the digital realm.
The Importance of Mindful Internet Use
In recent years, access to the internet has come to be viewed as a fundamental human right. While this is undoubtedly a positive development, it’s essential to remain mindful of the environmental costs associated with our online habits. With the pandemic accelerating our digital consumption, data from dataportal.com reveals that the average internet user now spends over 40% of their waking hours online. Social media takes the largest share, with a staggering 35% of online time dedicated to these platforms.
Pornography, too, plays a significant role in our online lives. For instance, in 2015, Pornhub reported an astounding 4,392,486,580 hours of streaming—an amount that far exceeds the duration of human existence.
While the internet is undeniably a necessity today, taking breaks from digital engagement is equally vital. Binge-watching high-definition adult content, fixating on unrealistic beauty ideals on Instagram, or endlessly scrolling through TikTok are not essential activities.
Promoting a Sustainable Digital Future
Most individuals are unlikely to drastically reduce their social media or adult content consumption for the sake of the climate. Instead, a more feasible solution would be for social media and streaming platforms to disclose their carbon emissions transparently. They could provide users with a detailed account of the CO2 emissions generated during their sessions, based on their geographical location. Additionally, apps could be designed to be less addictive, as users are already spending considerable time online.
Awareness is the first step. When I discussed these ideas with a young, environmentally conscious friend, she was unaware that watching TikTok contributed to CO2 emissions—let alone how significant those emissions could be.
The excessive time we spend online can lead to dissatisfaction, and many argue it is both unnecessary and unnatural. Perhaps the most natural remedy is to reconnect with nature. Embracing online sobriety not only benefits the environment but also provides more quality time with loved ones.