Environmental Issues in Computer Science

The video discusses the environmental issues associated with computer technology, highlighting the high demand for natural resources due to the production of devices like game consoles and smartphones. It emphasizes the limited supply of resources like silicon and the significant energy consumption in manufacturing and operating data centers. The video also addresses the challenges of disposing of computers, which contain harmful materials, and the risks faced by people in countries with lower disposal standards who recycle these materials.

What additional issues, besides technical feasibility, should be considered with new computer technologies?

• Only environmental issues

• Ethical, privacy, legal, environmental, and cultural issues

• Only legal issues

• Only technical issues

Which gaming console has sold the most units according to the video?

• Xbox 360

• Xbox One

• Nintendo DS

• PlayStation 1 through 4

What is a key reason for the high demand for natural resources in computing technology?

• The resources are in limited supply

• The resources are renewable

• The resources are infinite

• The resources are easily accessible

What is a significant environmental concern related to the production of computers?

• They are biodegradable

• They take ten times their weight in fossil fuels to manufacture

• They require minimal energy to produce

• They are made from renewable resources

How much of the world's total energy consumption is attributed to data centers?

• About 2%

• About 5%

• About 10%

• About 1%

What is the environmental impact of the 24-7 nature of the internet?

• It decreases the need for data centers

• It has no impact on energy consumption

• It requires data centers to be permanently switched on

• It reduces energy consumption

What is the comparison made between the energy required to manufacture a computer and a car?

• A computer requires less energy than a car

• A computer requires ten times its weight in fossil fuels, while a car requires approximately equal to its weight

• A car requires ten times its weight in fossil fuels, while a computer requires approximately equal to its weight

• Both require the same amount of energy

What harmful materials are found in computers that require careful disposal?

• Water and air

• Wood and paper

• Dioxins, chromium, mercury, cadmium, and radioactive isotopes

• Plastic and glass

Why is it dangerous for people to trawl through electronic waste?

• They can sell the waste for a high price

• They might find valuable items

• They can easily recycle the waste

• They are exposed to dangerous chemicals and environments

What is a major challenge with the disposal of computing technology?

• It is often shipped to countries with lower disposal standards

• It is not harmful to the environment

• It is too expensive to dispose of

• It is easy to recycle