Scientists have discovered that we could potentially cut carbon emissions by up to 96% when we turn off camera in video conference. A study by Purdue University entitled "The Overlooked Environmental Footprint of Increasing Internet Use" reveals that turning off camera can not only cut carbon emissions but also cut water and land impact.
According to Forbes, this is the first time that scientists have studied how various internet activities can impact land and water use on top of carbon emissions.
One Hour of Video Conference Calls Emit up to 1000 Grams of Carbon Dioxide: Study
The study estimates that one hour of doing video conference calls can emit up to 150 to 1000 grams of carbon dioxide. Moreover, it uses 12 liters of water and an ipad-sized land area for every hour of use.
Using camera during video conference calls can consume hefty amounts of energy as compared to just keeping audio on. Researchers have discovered that turning your camera off does not just salvage your messy home from public view, but can also potentially cut land, water, and carbon footprints.
The study also found that video quality when streaming also has an implication in footprints. Switching your videos to standard definition rather than watching it at high definition may significantly result in an 86% reduction of footprints.
So far, this is the first study that studies the implication of water and land in internet use. As Euro News reports, the study estimated carbon, water, and land footprints that are emitted with each gigabyte of data that is used by users across different social media and communication channels. They have tested Youtube, Facebook, Zoom, Twitter, and Tiktok. Moreover, they also tested the implications of online gaming and web surfing.
Read more: New Study Finds PS5 and Xbox Consoles Consume Approximately the Same Amount of Energy as a TV
Institutions Should Consider Using Camera Less Often
Since the start of the pandemic, there has been an upsurge in internet use as most activities have switched to a digital platform. Work meetings, school discussions, among others are done online using significant data use. While these activities are an essential aspect of life, one interesting finding that the study has discovered is that by simply keeping your camera off, you can contribute to up to 96% of carbon emissions.
Although the practice may not sound like a big deal, companies may consider implementing the less-camera meetings with the intention of being more environmentally-sensitive.
Kaveh Madani, who led the study says "Banking systems tell you the positive environmental impact of going paperless, but no one tells you the benefit of turning off your camera or reducing your streaming quality."
"So without your consent, these platforms are increasing your environmental footprint.", he adds.
It may be staggering to know that sending your morning face across the globe to your client's home takes a lot of data and electricity. Moreover, these activities that use hefty amounts of energy always brings cabron, land, and water footprints with every use. As a business owner, teacher, or head of any institutions, knowing the environmental impact of your activities pay in may have a huge impact for our future.
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Written by Nikki D
