Did you know that every extra tab you keep open while browsing could contribute to environmental harm? Each active tab requires server resources, which are stored in data centers that demand significant energy to power and cool. The more tabs, the harder servers work, generating heat and increasing water consumption to cool them. This not only depletes water resources but also emits carbon dioxide (CO₂).

Data centers are responsible for nearly 2% of global CO₂ emissions—on par with the aviation industry. The electricity needed to cool these centers primarily comes from non-renewable sources, worsening their environmental impact. Water-cooled systems consume millions of liters annually, straining natural resources​(Nature).

So, next time you have multiple tabs open, consider closing those you don’t need. Reducing your digital clutter can help decrease the energy and water demands of data centers, contributing to a greener planet!

References

Nature (2020), “How to stop data centres from gobbling up the world’s electricity”​(Nature)