Report Launch: Is staying online costing the Earth?

This report looks at the carbon footprint and energy consumption of different parts of the internet, as well as the potential for internet-connected tech to enable further reductions in carbon emissions in other sectors in the UK. 

Under the Climate Change Act, the UK must cut emissions by at least 80% relative to 1990. As our appetite for data continues to grow, it is important that policy makers recognise that there is potential both for the internet to be a huge carbon emitter and to facilitate huge carbon savings.

This event will officially launch the report and start a conversation in Parliament about how policy makers can both ensure that the carbon emissions of the internet are kept in check and that the UK makes the most of available digital solutions to cut carbon emissions in other sectors. 

Chair:

Jonathan Shaw, Chief Executive, Policy Connect & Former Environment Minister

Speakers:

Antoinette Sandbach MP, Conservative Member of Parliament for Eddisbury and member of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee

Daniel Zeichner MP, Labour Member of Parliament for Cambridge

Caroline Lucas MP, Green Party Member for Brighton Pavilion

Kieren Mayers, Director of Environment and Technical Compliance, Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe

Tea and coffee will be served on arrival. 

The report has brought together independent and industry experts with parliamentarians and other policymakers to consider the issues in this area in depth and make recommendations on useful next steps. Policy Connect has been advised by representatives from Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe, IBM, techUK, Carbon Trust, Greenpeace, BT and Imperial College London. 

Please contact Lucy McMahon for more details.