Streaming Services and the Environment

A new study suggests that streaming services can lead to higher levels of greenhouse gas emissions¹. Researchers say the results depended, in part, on which technology was being used to send data.

The German government provided money for the study. Germany's Federal Environment agency published a report on the findings.

Many studies have linked "greenhouse gases," such as carbon dioxide, to rising temperatures in Earth's atmosphere. Greenhouse gases are a product of pollution from factories and other human activities.

Streaming services send videos, games, music and other material over the internet so that people can watch or listen to it immediately.

The researchers estimated the amount of carbon dioxide produced by data centers where material is stored for streaming. It also looked at the technology used to get the data to consumers.

The report found that streaming video over fiber³ optic cables results in the lowest amount of carbon dioxide, or CO2 emissions — 2 grams per hour. Copper⁴ cables produced twice that amount. 3G mobile technology resulted in 90 grams of CO2 emissions per hour.

The report said streaming over 5G, another wireless⁵ technology, would result in carbon dioxide emissions of 5 grams per hour.

Data centers were responsible for only a small amount of the energy used. But there were differences depending on how servers were used and cooled, the report noted⁶.

Christian⁷ Stoll, an energy expert, was not involved in the study. He said the report's carbon dioxide estimates seemed reasonable. But he noted that the study did not consider how much electricity was taken by devices that were used to watch videos.

Stoll noted that such devices "represent a significant part of the total emissions."

Presenting the report, German Environment Minister Svenja Schulze said the study tried to give data to decision-makers at a time when digital issues are important. The timing⁸, Shulze added, is also important as countries try to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.

"It is possible to stream data without negatively impacting the climate if you do it right..." she said. Schulze suggested that it might "be a good idea to set up more public WiFi hotspots, as this is more climate-friendly than streaming in mobile networks."

Words in This Story

streaming – adj. a method of sending and receiving video and audio material online

emission² – n. the act of producing or sending out something, such as energy or gas

consumer – n. a person who purchases goods and services for personal use

fiber optic – n. thin threads of glass or plastic that carry very large amounts of information in the form of light signals

cable – n. a group of wires or glass fibers⁹, covered in plastic or rubber, and used to carry electricity or electrical signals

server – n. the main computer in a system which provides records and services that are used by the other computers

significant – adj. large enough to be noticed or have an effect; very important

digital – adj. relating to the use of computer technology

impact – v. to have a strong and often bad effect on something or someone

1 emissions   

排放物( emission的名词复数 )； 散发物（尤指气体）

参考例句：

• Most scientists accept that climate change is linked to carbon emissions. 大多数科学家都相信气候变化与排放的含碳气体有关。
• Dangerous emissions radiate from plutonium. 危险的辐射物从钚放散出来。

2 emission   

n.发出物，散发物；发出，散发

参考例句：

• Rigorous measures will be taken to reduce the total pollutant emission.采取严格有力措施，降低污染物排放总量。
• Finally,the way to effectively control particulate emission is pointed out.最后，指出有效降低颗粒排放的方向。

3 fiber   

n.纤维，纤维质

参考例句：

• The basic structural unit of yarn is the fiber.纤维是纱的基本结构单元。
• The material must be free of fiber clumps.这种材料必须无纤维块。

4 copper   

n.铜；铜币；铜器；adj.铜(制)的；(紫)铜色的

参考例句：

• The students are asked to prove the purity of copper.要求学生们检验铜的纯度。
• Copper is a good medium for the conduction of heat and electricity.铜是热和电的良导体。

5 wireless   

adj.无线的；n.无线电

参考例句：

• There are a lot of wireless links in a radio.收音机里有许多无线电线路。
• Wireless messages tell us that the ship was sinking.无线电报告知我们那艘船正在下沉。

6 noted   

adj.著名的，知名的

参考例句：

• The local hotel is noted for its good table.当地的那家酒店以餐食精美而著称。
• Jim is noted for arriving late for work.吉姆上班迟到出了名。

7 Christian   

adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒

参考例句：

• They always addressed each other by their Christian name.他们总是以教名互相称呼。
• His mother is a sincere Christian.他母亲是个虔诚的基督教徒。

8 timing   

n.时间安排，时间选择

参考例句：

• The timing of the meeting is not convenient.会议的时间安排不合适。
• The timing of our statement is very opportune.我们发表声明选择的时机很恰当。

9 fibers   

光纤( fiber的名词复数 )； （织物的）质地； 纤维，纤维物质

参考例句：

• Thesolution of collagen-PVA was wet spined with the sodium sulfate as coagulant and collagen-PVA composite fibers were prepared. 在此基础上，以硫酸钠为凝固剂，对胶原-PVA共混溶液进行湿法纺丝，制备了胶原-PVA复合纤维。
• Sympathetic fibers are distributed to all regions of the heart. 交感神经纤维分布于心脏的所有部分。