An example of new technology having a negative impact on sustainability is cryptocurrency mining. This technology requires massive computational power, which is supported by multiple servers consuming vast amounts of electricity, often generated from fossil fuels. This results in a significant carbon footprint that contradicts efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the energy-intensive nature of cryptocurrency mining leads to increased demand for data centers, which consume large quantities of electricity and water, contributing further to environmental strain. The hardware used also contributes to electronic waste and relies on rare earth minerals that are mined in environmentally destructive ways
. Other notable examples include:
- Electric Vehicles (EVs): While EVs reduce tailpipe emissions, the production of their lithium-ion batteries involves extensive mining of lithium, cobalt, and nickel, causing land degradation, water scarcity, and pollution. Battery disposal and recycling remain challenging
- Generative AI and Data Centers: Training and deploying large AI models require huge amounts of electricity and water for cooling, increasing carbon emissions and straining water resources. The proliferation of AI data centers also produces significant electronic waste and depends on rare minerals mined unsustainably
- Solar Panels: Manufacturing solar panels involves hazardous materials like lead and cadmium, posing risks to human health and biodiversity if not properly managed. Disposal and recycling of panels remain problematic
- E-waste from Smart Devices and IoT: The rapid turnover of electronic devices leads to growing electronic waste containing toxic substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can contaminate soil and water. Recycling rates are low, exacerbating environmental damage
These examples illustrate that while new technologies can offer environmental benefits, their full life cycle often involves resource depletion, pollution, and waste management challenges that negatively impact sustainability
