Minimising the amount of indoor or outdoor contamination by any chemical, physical or biological agent.
A global overview
Micro-particles, or aerosols, emitted into the air – such as smoke, dust and pollutant gases – can damage living organisms. Furthermore, they interact with water vapour in the air and so affect cloud formation. When emitted in large volumes these aerosols can significantly alter regional rainfall patterns, including shifting the timing and location of monsoon rains in tropical regions.
How is digital tech relevant to air pollution?
Areas of tension
These are the issues, negative impacts and concerns collectively raised by the attendees from our pilot workshops.
For the global population
- E-waste disposal creates airborne toxins, especially from unregulated methods which are known to extract materials for recycling through burning in open pits.
- Burning fossil fuels to power data centers causes significant particulates.
- Digital tech makes it easier for consumers to access goods and services (some of which are whimsical), that are transported creating additional pollution especially through urban areas.
How can we nudge these tensions for the better?
Grounds for hope
These are visions and ideas for change collectively raised by the attendees from our pilot workshops.
For the global population
- Much better recycling standards.
- Slower tech – faster is not always better.
- Use remote work for less trips and facilitate 15 minutes cities
Keen to learn more?
If you’d like to explore these issues yourself, either as an individual or with your work colleagues, why not run your own workshop?
Our workshop methodology is open source and available for anyone to use for free. Alternatively you can hire trusted professionals to facilitate the process on your behalf.