Carbon emissions from research are the price we must pay to understand the world

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on the Financial Times or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: A debate is emerging in the scientific world regarding the role of research as both a contributor to climate change and crucial to tackling it
• On one side, scientists are proposing scaling back research to reduce carbon emissions, due to concerns about the energy-intensive nature of scientific activities
• Yet, many scientists also highlight the crucial role played by science 

🔭 The context: Despite its high energy demand, scientific research has historically proven to be crucial for monitoring and combating the effects of climate change
• Innovations like the Millennium Technology Prize and sustainable projects like Finland's LUMI supercomputer highlight the balance between research and environmental responsibility

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The dilemma of scientific research's energy consumption versus its critical function in environmental analysis highlights a key global challenge
• Maintaining a balance between developing sustainable technologies and methods for energy efficiency in research while minimizing ecological footprints will be vital for mitigation strategies

⏭️ What's next: The focus on sustainable computing will be a major theme at the upcoming World Economic Forum in Davos

💬 One quote: "Science can help us find an equilibrium — to find hope." (Minna Palmroth, University of Helsinki)

📈 One stat: Data centers consume about 1% of global electricity

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