Paper Details

Name: Chintaharan Betal
Country: India

Year: 2025
Volume: Volume No: 12, Issue No: 2, Year: 2025
Page Number: 115-126
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20605403

INTRODUCTION
The „Digital Pollution‟ is an emerging concept that denotes the negative environmental,
social and health impacts arising from the rapid expansion and use of digital technologies
across the globe. According to Safdie (2024), “Digital pollution refers to the environmental
impact created as a result of multivarious digital activities, such as via e-waste,
manufacturing processes and energy consumption with data centres or smart devices. It
serves as an umbrella term for the emissions created from all digital products and services,
not just those related to direct internet use.” Fransen (2023) stated that "Digital pollution is an
umbrella term that encapsulates the environmental impact of the digital world. It manifests in
electronic waste (e-waste), excess data storage, the energy consumption of digital platforms
and the carbon footprint of the entire digital industry." Indeed, electronic devices, computers,
smartphones and servers consume energy to operate and store data, which can contribute to
air and water pollution. The use of these technologies generates electronic waste that is
difficult to recycle and contributes to polluting the planet earth (Circular Place, 2023). Unlike
traditional forms of pollution that are readily visible such as air, water or soil contamination,
digital pollution is often overlooked due to its largely imperceptible nature.
The manufacturing phase of information technology (IT) equipment alone is responsible for
significant energy consumption which account for up to 29% and contributes extensively to
greenhouse gas emissions, water usage and resource depletion. Furthermore, every digital
action, such as sending an email or performing an internet search are directly linked with
carbon footprint. Globally, the digital technologies are responsible for nearly 4% of
greenhouse gas emissions (M‟baye, 2025). Digital technology consumes about 10% of the
world‟s electricity and emits approximately 4% of global greenhouse gases (GHGs),
comparable to the aviation industry. These impacts were expected to be double or triple by
2030, if no mitigating action is taken. The digital sector's share of global carbon emissions is
forecasted to reach 7-9% by 2025, making it a significant contributor to climate change. The
production phase of digital hardware, such as smartphones, accounts for nearly 40% of its
carbon footprint with 80% generated before the device is even used (Flinch, 2025).
Major companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Meta and Google have reported emission
increases of over 140%-180% from 2020 to 2023 driven by AI and data centre demands
(Deepshikha Singh, 2025). According to Environmental Impact Analysis by Wedia Group and
Others (2023-2024), digital technologies accounted for 4% of global greenhouse gas
emissions in 2023 and were projected to increase to 8% by end of 2025 due to the rise in 5G
and data-heavy applications. The average internet user‟s digital activity, including emails,
streaming and browsing, contributes significantly to the carbon footprint e.g., a single Google
search can emit between 0.2 to 1.45 grams of CO2. By 2037, if trends continue unchecked,
global electricity demand from digital technologies could exceed current global electricity
production (Wedia Group, 2023 and Greenly Earth, 2024).National Research Journal of Human Resource Management ISSN: 2349-059X
Volume No: 12, Issue No: 2, Year: 2025 (July-December) Peer Reviewed & Refereed Journal (IF: 7.25)
PP: 115-126 Journal Website www.nrjhrm.in
Published By: National Press Associates Page 116
© Copyright @ Authors
The above statistical data highlighted that digital pollution is a rapidly mounting day-by-day
and have emerged as one of the most complex sustainability challenges of contemporary
period. Hence, the study of ‘digital pollution’ has now become crucial in the 21st century as
the world striving for technological progress while also seeking environmental sustainability
and mental well-being.