Streaming services like Netflix have changed the way we consume entertainment, but at what cost to the planet? With over 238 million users worldwide, the energy required to power such an immense digital ecosystem has significant environmental consequences (Statista, 2023).
Let’s take one of the most popular movies on Netflix, “Red Notice”. When it was released, it was streamed over 328 million hours. For context, streaming a 2-hour 4K movie emits roughly 440 grams of CO2 per user (IEA, 2020). Multiply that by the global audience, and the carbon footprint of just that single movie could exceed 72,160 metric tons of CO2—that’s equivalent to powering about 15,000 homes for an entire year (EPA, 2022).
By contrast, watching the same movie via a Blu-ray disc produces 7 grams of CO2 per hour of viewing, due to minimal energy requirements once manufactured (Shift Project, 2019). That’s almost 63 times lower emissions compared to streaming the same content in 4K.
Renewable Energy: Not a Complete Solution
While companies like Netflix, Google, and Microsoft are transitioning their data centers to renewable energy sources like solar and wind, these solutions don’t fully erase the environmental cost. Even when powered by renewable energy, data centers generate enormous amounts of heat, requiring energy-hungry cooling systems. This residual heat contributes to global warming, complicating efforts to reduce carbon emissions (Masanet et al., 2020). The reality is that despite renewable power, the sheer scale of streaming operations continues to emit a notable carbon footprint.
The Problem with 4K Streaming
Streaming in 4K has become the gold standard for movie buffs, but its environmental toll is staggering. 4K streaming consumes four times more energy than HD streaming (Shift Project, 2019). Achieving that crisp resolution requires immense bandwidth, processing power, and energy to transfer large amounts of data.
The good news is that you don’t need to abandon the 4K experience altogether. Downloading content in HD and watching it offline significantly reduces the energy required by eliminating constant data transfers. Additionally, opting for compression technologies and efficient codecs like H.265 (HEVC) can deliver near 4K quality at a fraction of the energy cost (Masanet et al., 2020).
Reducing Carbon Footprint: Steps for Users and Creators
For viewers, the shift toward sustainability is simple but impactful. Lowering your resolution—from 4K to 720p—can reduce emissions by 75% while still delivering a great viewing experience. Downloading content to watch offline or streaming during off-peak hours can further lighten the environmental load.
For creators and companies, the solution lies in optimizing data centers, investing in energy-efficient technologies, and designing streaming platforms that are less power-intensive. While renewable energy is a critical component, minimizing heat emissions and adopting smart cooling technologies will also play a crucial role in reducing the overall environmental impact.
As more consumers turn to streaming services, both users and companies must adopt sustainable practices to ensure that entertainment doesn’t come at the cost of the environment. In a world where we can’t “go back,” we should simply move forward mindfully, aiming for sustainable and efficient solutions.
References:
IEA (2020). The carbon footprint of streaming video: fact vs. fiction. International Energy Agency.
Masanet, E., et al. (2020). The carbon footprint of streaming video: fact vs. fiction. Science Journal of Data Center Sustainability.
Shift Project (2019). Climate crisis: The unsustainable use of online video. The Shift Project.
Statista (2023). Number of Netflix subscribers worldwide 2023. Statista.