Key Takeaways:

• Internet use has a carbon footprint: Every online action—emails, searches, streaming—requires energy, much of which still comes from fossil fuels.
• Data centers and streaming are major contributors: High-energy infrastructure and video traffic account for a large share of internet-related emissions, with AI accelerating the trend.
• Big tech holds the real power to make change: Individual habits help, but companies that build and power the internet must take the lead in making it greener.
• Small habits can still make a difference: Turning off unused devices, using eco-friendly settings, and cleaning up digital clutter all reduce energy demand.
• The internet is built to be always-on, and that’s part of the problem: Infrastructure runs 24/7, often inefficiently. Rethinking how the internet is designed is key to lowering its footprint.
• The more people know, the more pressure there is for change: Talk about digital sustainability. Share what you learn. Awareness leads to collective action.

Let’s face it—most of us are online all day, every day. From work tasks and video calls to streaming shows and scrolling social media, internet use has become second nature. But what many people don’t realize is that our digital habits come with a hidden environmental cost: carbon emissions.

The tricky part? The internet is essential to how we live and work, yet it quietly contributes to a growing CO₂ problem. It’s a tough balance, but it’s one we can start to manage with a bit more awareness.

And importantly, we should recognize that individuals can’t fix this alone. System-level change is needed, and that starts with the companies powering the web.

Below, we’ll break down how your daily online activity impacts the planet and share practical tips to help you reduce your digital carbon footprint. Let’s take a closer look at what’s really going on behind the screens, and what we can all do to be more eco-conscious online.

The Carbon Footprint of Internet Data Usage

Data usage itself is not technically responsible for CO2 emissions. However, the infrastructure and processes involved in data transmission and storage tend to consume significant amounts of energy.

In simple terms, the data centers, network infrastructure, and devices used to get online require electricity. This is often generated from fossil fuel sources, and as a result, CO2 emissions are produced during all phases of data use, from production and operation to disposal of the technologies.

Data centers, which store and process vast amounts of data, account for a significant portion of energy consumption in the digital world. These centers require constant cooling, power backups, and high-speed connectivity, all of which contribute to their environmental impact. Additionally, the energy consumed by network infrastructure, including routers, switches, and cables, further adds to the carbon footprint of data usage. What does that mean in terms of real impact?

According to research from Energuide, electricity consumption of the internet represents a larger portion of the world’s total than you may expect. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) accounted for 6 to 10% of global electricity consumption, or 4% of our greenhouse gas emissions. To put it in perspective, that number is equivalent to all of the air traffic in the world. Studies show that for the internet alone, an average of 400g of CO2 are emitted per inhabitant each year. What’s worse, experts say this figure increases by 5 to 7% every year! Of course these numbers are only averages, and the actual amounts of energy used will vary by person, by region, by country, etc. As you might expect, emissions per person are much greater in industrialized and highly connected areas, with ever increasing numbers.

It’s easy to forget this, but the truth is that every single email, every web search completed, and every social media update posted requires the consumption of energy and therefore the emission of greenhouse gasses.

Related Video: The Carbon Footprint of The Internet

Internet Usage by the Numbers

​In our hyper-connected world, it's easy to forget that our digital habits have a real-world impact—especially on the environment. Let's dive into how our everyday online activities, like sending emails and streaming videos, contribute to our carbon footprint, and what we can do about it.​

The Carbon Footprint of Emails

Ever thought about the environmental cost of that quick "Thanks!" email? While it seems trivial, each email consumes energy through data centers and network infrastructure. Here's a breakdown:​

• Spam emails (even the ones you never open) still consume energy to be filtered and stored—about 0.03g of CO₂e per email.
• Short, text-only emails produce around 0.3g of CO₂e.
• Emails with large attachments can emit as much as 50g of CO₂e per message.

Considering the volume of emails sent around the world every day, the environmental impact adds up fast. Each message may seem harmless on its own, but together, our inbox habits contribute to a much larger carbon footprint than most people realize.

Energy Consumption of Data Centers

Behind every email, search, or file stored in the cloud is a data center—large facilities packed with servers that run 24/7. They’re critical infrastructure, but they’re also energy-intensive.

• In 2025, global data centers are expected to consume around 536 terawatt-hours of electricity, or about 2% of total global electricity use.
• With the growing demand from AI and high-performance applications, that number could double by 2030.

Web Searches and Online Activity

Every web search and video stream requires energy, often more than we realize:

• While a single web search has a small footprint, billions are performed each day, adding up to significant energy use (The Guardian).
• Streaming, in particular, is data-intensive. It requires constant transmission and storage, which leads to higher emissions (The Guardian).

Infrastructure Inefficiencies

Much of the internet’s energy consumption is due to design limitations:

• Systems are often built for peak usage and run below capacity the rest of the time.
• Devices like routers continue to draw power even when idle.
• Home internet equipment rarely has an off switch, leading to constant energy use—day and night.

Always-on infrastructure may be convenient, but it comes with a significant environmental cost.

What We Can Do

Reducing the internet’s environmental impact doesn’t require a tech overhaul—just a shift in habits and priorities:

• Clean up your digital clutter. Deleting old emails and files reduces the demand for data storage (The Guardian).
• Support energy-efficient technologies. Advanced cooling systems and efficient hardware can significantly lower power use in data centers (IEA).
• Back companies using renewable energy. Some providers are already shifting their operations to green power sources (IEA).
• Power down when possible. Turning off or unplugging idle devices, especially overnight, makes a difference.

Digital convenience doesn’t have to come at the environment’s expense. With smarter habits and better systems, we can keep the internet running—and sustainable.

But again, the biggest difference will come from the companies who build and maintain our digital ecosystems. Supporting businesses that invest in renewable energy, optimize software for efficiency, and advocate for green policy is one of the most impactful moves we can make.

10 Tips for More Eco-Friendly Internet Usage

If you’re reading this and feeling a tad bit guilty, not to worry. There are ways to reduce your environmental impact on the internet. By being conscientious users—and by supporting systems-level change—we can all make a difference.

1. Optimize your device settings

Adjust the power settings of your devices, such as enabling power-saving modes and reducing screen brightness. This can help conserve energy and extend battery life. Many devices now come with eco-modes or adaptive battery features—use them. Also consider turning off Bluetooth and wireless functions when not in use, and disable unnecessary background apps. Bonus tip: use a power strip to reduce phantom energy draw when devices are off but still plugged in.

2. Clean up your communication habits

It’s not just email—apps like Slack, Teams, and Discord generate constant data traffic. Delete old messages, mute inactive channels, and limit auto-notifications. For email, compress large attachments, avoid sending unnecessary replies, and clear out junk mail to reduce server strain.

3. Use smarter web search

As we mentioned above, it takes a surprising amount of energy to return robust search results. Whenever possible, type in an actual web address instead of performing a search for it. Be very specific with your keywords in order to cut down on the number of results that are returned, and keep commonly viewed websites in your favorites so they’re easy to get to without a search engine.

4. Consume video content intentionally

Streaming is one of the internet’s biggest carbon contributors. Watch in standard definition when HD isn’t necessary, download videos for offline use, and avoid using YouTube as a music player. In video calls, turn off your camera when you don’t need it, especially for passive participation.

5. Leverage efficient browsing habits

Practice mindful browsing by avoiding unnecessary data-intensive activities. Close unused tabs, limit video streaming, and disable auto-play features. Use tools like tab managers or Shift’s workspaces to minimize multitasking clutter and reduce device strain.

Related Post: The Ultimate Guide to Digital Minimalism

6. Declutter your cloud

Delete unused cloud backups, clean out old Google Drive or Dropbox files, and remove outdated shared links. Opt for compressed file formats and selective sync features. Fewer files = less energy required for storage and transmission.

7. Pick energy-efficient devices

When it’s time for new gear, choose devices with Energy Star or EPEAT certifications. Extend your current devices’ lifespan with upgrades and repairs when possible. Keeping a laptop one year longer can reduce its lifetime emissions by 30%.

8. Support companies building a greener internet

Choose service providers and platforms that invest in renewable energy, publish sustainability reports, or design efficient AI models and infrastructure. From green hosting to carbon-conscious cloud storage, your dollars and clicks can support companies that care.

9. Practice better e-waste management

Recycle old tech responsibly. Many device components can be reused or repurposed, reducing the need for new resources. Check for local e-waste drop-off sites, donate to schools or nonprofits, or take advantage of buy-back or trade-in programs when you upgrade.

10. Do a digital detox

Step away from the screen. Log off when you can, go outside, read a physical book, or hang out offline. The less time we spend connected, the fewer servers and systems we rely on. Plus, digital downtime is good for your mental health, too.

Related Video: Declutter Your Digital Life

One final tip: don’t keep what you’ve learned to yourself. For many people, the connection between internet use and carbon emissions is still surprising. Once you see the numbers, the environmental impact of our digital lives starts to come into focus, and yes, it can be a little shocking.

That’s exactly why it’s worth sharing. Talk about it. Post about it. Bring it up at work or in your group chat. Small conversations can create bigger awareness, and when more people understand the problem, we’re better equipped to demand better solutions.

As we become increasingly reliant on the internet, it's essential to stay aware of the indirect CO₂ emissions tied to our online activity. Yes, we can adopt more sustainable habits—but the real power lies in pushing for change from the companies and systems that run the internet itself.

It’s not about guilt, it’s about action. Smart design. Better infrastructure. Transparent leadership. And a shared commitment to a cleaner digital future.

Let’s each do our part, personally and collectively, to build a more sustainable internet. And if you’re looking for more ways to stay informed and efficient online, follow the Shift blog. It’s where our experts share tips, tools, and updates to keep you productive and environmentally aware in a fast-moving digital world.

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