Presently, we observe two antagonistic evolutions; the first is the increasing use of computing for environmental control, and the second concerns the increasing impacts of computing that deteriorate it.

Indeed, facing global warming, the deterioration of the planet, the amplification of the greenhouse effect, it becomes urgent to develop effective procedures. Thus, sensors have been disseminated to measure many parameters, which combined with drones and satellites make it possible to regularly send data that will be the basis of modeling and projections made by computers. Therefore, computing, in the broad sense (Information and Communication Technologies), plays a key role in the fight for the preservation of the planet.

On the other hand, more and more human actions are computer-assisted. Whether we think of the multiplication of smart phones, the dematerialization of administrative
procedures, business management, e-commerce, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, games, video, etc., all these activities require more and more not only electrical energy, but also copper and essential heavy metals. And recycling solutions are not up to the challenges.

In 2020, computing alone used 4 to 6% of global electricity2 and had an estimated evolution between 6% and 9% per year. Projections3 for 2030 propose a share of 10% to 20% of global electricity consumption.

When comparing gains and costs and their respective evolutions, it is urgent to advocate computer sobriety. However, few actors launch in such directions in contrast to mobility, which can be considered as the heart of ecologists’ struggles. What do we have to deal with such challenges?

A law to this effect is being drafted in France. Indeed, according to a French Senate fact- finding mission, the share of digital in greenhouse gas emissions in France was 2% in 2019. And above all, these emissions could increase by 60% by 2040 reaching 6.7% of total emissions in France (by comparison, the share of air transport is 4.7%). In detail, where do these programs come from? “Digital users often forget that the so-called “dematerialized” digital exchanges can only exist by relying on a well-equipped sector composed of terminals, data centers and networks,” French senators note.