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The internet grows every day. Every second, one of us is making calls to an API, uploading some images, or streaming the latest video content. But what is the cost of all this? Every day, a data center stores information on our behalf. As engineers, it's easy to focus on the code and forget the tangible impact of our work. This talk explores the physical reality of creating and storing data today, as well as the challenges and technological advancements currently being made in this part of the tech sector. Together, we'll see how our code affects the physical world, and what we can do about it. Play
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In the talk 'The Cost of Data' presented at RailsConf 2021 by Vaidehi Joshi, the focus is on the environmental impact of data storage, particularly through data centers. Joshi emphasizes how the digital data we generate is physically stored in data centers, which consume significant energy and have a substantial carbon footprint. Key points discussed include: - **Understanding Data Storage**: Most of the data generated online is stored in data centers, which are physical infrastructures that house servers and related hardware. - **Energy Consumption**: Data centers use approximately 200 to 500 terawatt hours of electricity annually, representing 1 to 3 percent of the global electricity demand. - **Environmental Impact**: The IT sector contributes about 2 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, with data centers accounting for at least 0.3 percent. The impact of data centers varies based on the local energy sources they utilize, highlighting the importance of renewable energy. - **Cloud Providers Comparison**: Two major cloud providers, AWS and Google Cloud, are compared in their sustainability practices. AWS aims for 100% renewable energy by 2030 but faces challenges with regions relying on fossil fuels, while Google purchases renewable energy equivalent to its consumption, demonstrating greater transparency and commitment to sustainability. - **Future of Data Centers**: As global data traffic increases, energy demand from data centers is expected to rise, placing more pressure on energy resources. Solutions such as locating data centers in cooler climates and recycling waste energy are discussed. Additionally, there are calls for developers to consider where their data is stored and to promote sustainable practices. - **Individual and Collective Action**: Joshi encourages individuals in tech to understand the carbon footprint of their data usage, choose cloud providers wisely, and advocate for transparency in energy sourcing from providers. Tools and resources are shared to facilitate this knowledge, including the Green Web Foundation to assess data center impacts and the low impact Manifesto for web development. The talk concludes with a hopeful message that the tech industry can lead by example in sustainability and suggests that developers hold the power to influence practices towards a more sustainable future.
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