ACM TechBrief: Computing and Climate Change

Abstract

1.8% Minimum estimated percentage of global carbon emissions attributable to the ICT sector. 3.9% Maximum estimated percentage of global carbon emissions attributable to the ICT sector. 2.5% Estimated percentage of all carbon emissions attributable to all aviation globally. 3% Estimated portion of total global energy supply consumed annually by data centers. 100% Increase in portion of global energy supply used by data centers over the past 10 years. 45% Percentage by which meeting ITU 1 standards could reduce ICT sector emissions by 2030. 2050 Year by which the European Commission has committed to net zero carbon emissions. 2041 Latest by when the UN warns catastrophic "red line" of global warming will be crossed. BY THE NUMBERS: COMPUTING AND CLIMATE CHANGE  Complete, accurate, consistent, and transparent measurements of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector carbon emissions are needed to assess whether reduction targets have been met.  Computing-enabled effi ciencies must be coupled with slashed energy demand to reduce ICT sector carbon emissions.  Coordinated, clear, and enforceable governmental policies and law are needed to reduce ICT sector carbon emissions. POLICY IMPLICATIONS ACM's Technology Policy Committees provide cutting edge, apolitical, non-lobbying scientii c information about all aspects of computing to policy makers in the United States and Europe. To tap the deep expertise of ACM's 100,000 members worldwide, contact ACM's Global Policy OO ce at acmpo@acm.org or +1 202.580.6555. November 2021 | Issue 1 acm.org/public-policy/techbriefs