New tool reveals the hidden environmental cost of every website

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🗞️ Driving the news: A new tool, developed by the University of Exeter and Madeby.studio, reveals the environmental cost behind internet usage, shedding light on how website visits impact nature
• This tool goes beyond CO2 emissions to show water usage and energy consumption, offering a unique way for consumers to understand the digital footprint of their online activity

🔭 The context: The internet accounts for 3.7% of global carbon emissions, surpassing air travel
• Popular websites, like YouTube, contribute to significant environmental costs, including energy use and water consumption, prompting calls for a more sustainable internet

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The tool calculates the hidden environmental impact of websites, emphasizing that energy consumption and water use from servers add up globally
• Encouraging cleaner digital practices and hosting websites on renewable energy could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the internet

⏭️ What’s next: This tool is set to spark a wider conversation on how the digital space can evolve into a more sustainable industry, pushing for cleaner, greener web development

💬 One quote: “This is not about naming and shaming websites with high environmental footprints, but engaging people and prompting discussion.” – Dr Marcos Oliveira Jr, University of Exeter

📈 One stat: 9,000 monthly visits to YouTube use 10 liters of water, enough to sustain a capuchin monkey for 77 days

See on illuminem's Data Hub™ the sustainability performance — carbon credit purchases, total emissions, and climate targets of thousands of companies

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