impact of it on environment

7/29/2019 Impact of IT on Environment.

1/11

Impact of IT on Environment.


2/11

21st century

Information age or computer age

Information technology Telecommunications

77% of world population owns mobile phones

4-5 % of world population owns PCs


3/11

Positive aspects of IT

Reduction in consumption of paper:

i)Use of digital database

ii) Uses of e-books

iii) Less letters more calls, SMSs and e-mails

iv) Less greeting cards more online and text wishes

Reduction of use of writing and printing inks

Reduction in transportation :

i)data transfer through e-mails , FAX, telephones and cell phones

ii)shopping through e-marts

iii)banking through e-banking and ATMs.

iv) use of TELEMEDICINE.


4/11

Compact space

Reduction in cutting of trees

Monitoring and controlling changes in theEarths environment through satellites

Spreading awareness regarding environment

through INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: usingtelevision, internet, radio channels and

messages.


5/11

Negative aspects of

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Computers :

Every single computer requires about 1.8 tonnes ofchemicals, fossil fuels and water for its manufacture.

Emission of about 0.1 tonne of carbon dioxide in a year. 2 per cent of worlds total carbon dioxide emissions

Global warming

Dumping of old computers in landfills - Soil pollution


6/11

Electronic and electrical devices in IT

E- Waste from IT

Discarded electronic or electrical devices ortheir parts Such as Discarded Computers,

Televisions, Monitors, Laptops, Cell Phones,

VCRs, Stereos, Copiers, Fax machines.


7/11

The cathode ray tubes (CRTs), which containsignificant amounts of lead.

Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) are illuminated bymercury-filled panels.

Circuitry contain chromium, copper, and lead thatexceed regulatory limits.

The batteries contain such as lead, nickel,cadmium, silver, lithium, and other dangerousmetals.

Mobile phones and cell towers.


8/11

Mobile Towers

Mobile radiation: Effects on environment Farm

animals - Dairy cows Decreased milk

production

spontaneous abortions, reproductive

problems

general declines in overall health.

Sheep, dogs, cats, rabbits living near base

stations affected.


9/11

Mobile radiation:

Effects on environment Birds

Interfere with navigation, reproduction, thinshells.

London - 75% fall sparrow population.

Fall in Pigeons, swans, white stork, rock dove.


10/11

Mobile radiation:

Effects on Honey bees Colony CollapseDisorder (CCD):

Abrupt disappearance of bees.

Cannot find their way back to hive duedisruption in intercellular communication.

CCD has hit US (up to 70 %), England (54%fall), Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland,Greece, Scotland, Wales, Kerala etc.


11/11

Recommendations

The IT related industries (esp. the

manufacturing ones) should reduce the use of

toxic substances in products.

Recycling plants and collection centers should

be set up . Do not DESIGN TO Dump ! Instead,

DESIGN TO LAST !!!

impact of it on environment

Documents