I wonder, How green is the World wide web?

Question

Just think of all the Computers, servers, routers etc. using all hat electricity and more and more people getting online every day.

Answer 1

difficult one - if all the people who talk, shop and forum on line where to drive to town centre or pub to chat, would that pollute more than sitting at home? - i don't know

Answer 2

Right now, probably not very.

In the future, probably 100% carbon-neutral.

But there are several 'green web hosts' now, and Rackspace - an industry leader - buy carbon offsets.

Like grim said, most things running on electricity aren't too environmentally friendly.

Answer 3

Ding-ding-ding!

We have a winner!

Someone finally gets it! The InterNet is the result of the scientific and economic development of mankind. It would not be possible without the use of petrochemicals and the expenditure of energy. It will not proliferate without the same.

If we were to demand that all people adopt the extreme measures the greenest of the green wish to demand then that would be the end of the InterNet. Computers require refined metals and petrochemicals. Were the world ot become totally green then only the extremely wealthy could ever afford anything like your average $1000 Dell package with the CD burner ... and you could kiss the iPod good-bye ... and defebrillators ... insulin pumps ... cell phones ... MRI machines ... Viagra ... the Jarvik 7 ... space exploration ... televisions ... titanium mountain bikes ... GoreTex ... Saran Wrap ... Mennen Speed Stick ... need we go on?