ARE WE DOING BETTER?
In some cases, The Shift Project actually underestimated energy consumption by devices, assuming viewing occurred on smartphones or laptops. But Netflix’s own figures state that 70% of viewing occurs on televisions, which are much more energy-consuming.
The true climate impact of streaming video is relatively low right now. But expect this to rise overall, due to an exponential growth in global use. ‘Koomey’s law’ describes trends in the energy efficiency of computing, which has doubled roughly every 1.6 years since 1940 – and every 2.7 years since 2000. A similar trend has been observed in data transmission networks, with energy intensity halving every two years since 2000.
100 125 150 175 200 225
KOOMEY’S LAW Increasingly efficient IT hardware (following Koomey’s law) and a major shift to ‘hyperscale’ data centres have helped to keep electricity demand flat since 2015
0 25 50 75
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
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2021
Traditional
Cloud (non-hyperscale)
Hyperscale
According to the IEA report, we still need to watch the massive growth of Netflix and other digital platforms, to ensure society is receiving maximum benefits, while minimising the negative consequences. Mercurial misinformation and hype-chasing media coverage will need to be replaced by analysis, corporate leadership, strong policies and a better-informed public.
Check out the full study by IEA here: iea.org/commentaries/the-carbon-footprint-of-streaming-video-fact-checking-the-headlines
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