With the availability of technology at cheap prices, people have started taking undue advantage of high-class gadgets like mobile phones, tablets, laptops and what not! And especially, with the special scheme introduction of Reliance Jio 4G network in late 2016, the data prices came down to an extent in India that masses started spending much of their time on the video streaming platforms. But does one know how it affects our atmosphere, our environment?
Well, as per a research done by scientists at the prestigious Royal Society in the UK, it has been learned that HD video streaming on a smartphone generates about eight times more emissions than standard definition (SD). This number is especially important as on a small screen, the viewer might not even notice the difference between 480p and 720p streaming.
The authors of the report urged online video streaming platforms and regulators to limit streaming resolution and set the default to SD in order to reduce per capita carbon emissions and combat climate change.
"Arguably decisions on limiting streaming resolution should be taken by platforms and regulators," the report says, rather than consumers.
Not only this, but the report also added that the digital sector's estimated contribution to global emissions ranges from 1.4% to 5.9% of the global total. Another way of saving energy has been suggested by the report, it said that people should prefer to turn off their screens while streaming music, in case one is only listening and not watching. It could save up to 5% of the emissions from a streaming service, a reduction compared to what's achieved by running YouTube's servers on renewable energy, said the authors.
The report further recommended the users, government and industry to reduce their impact on the sustainability of the planet. It is informed that the manufacturing of devices like phones and laptops is a carbon-intensive process. However, most of the people prefer to change their mobile sets in a year or two. But keeping a mobile phone for two years means the carbon emissions used in manufacturing account for about half of all the emissions it will generate over its lifetime.
"If people keep their phones for four years instead of two, that contribution is cut in half," the Royal Society said.
And like Netflix, one of the most used and popular, video streaming applications is in trend past few years, it is suggested by the report of the Royal Society that users shall not watch TV shows and films in HD quality. Watching a show in old-fashioned standard definition can dramatically reduce your carbon emissions which ultimately can save our planet.
