The relationship between information technology and the environment is mixed. While IT increases the demand for electricity which requires burning more fossil fuels, it can also help reduce environmental stress through things like smart grids that aim to use electricity more efficiently and reduce demand. However, some components of electronic devices are harmful if improperly disposed of.

1. What is the relationship between information
technology and environment?
B Y M I C H E L L E R O M A N O

2. The relationship between
information technology and the
environment is sort of mixed. In
some ways, IT is good for the
environment, but in other ways it
is bad.

3. Bad: The main problem with IT is the fact
that, as we get more and more IT, the
demand for electricity rises (as more
people want to use electronics in more
ways). This, of course, means more fossil
fuels will be burned to make the
electricity. In addition, some compnents of
electrical devices are very harmful to the
environment if not properly disposed of.

4. Good: Ideally, IT can be used to
help reduce stress on the
environment. A good example of
this is the "smart grids" that are
under development. These would,
it is hoped, help us use electricity
much more efficiently, thus
reducing the demand for electricity
and the amount of resources used
to produce that electricity.