Sustainability is often defined as the interconnection of: social connection, economic wellbeing, and a healthy environment. The recent corona pandemic has yet again highlighted the potential as well as the necessity of a fundamental technology: the internet. However, to be sustainable, the internet also needs to assess, mitigate, and live up to its responsibilities for a healthy environment – an element of the equation that is too often neglected. What is the internet’s environmental impact and what would it take for it to be sustainable?

Extended Abstract:
Sustainability is often defined as the interconnection of three elements: social connection, economic wellbeing, and a healthy environment. The recent corona pandemic has yet again highlighted the potential as well as the necessity of a fundamental technology: the internet. The internet has become the lifeline for social connection in times of physical distancing. It is also the primary means by which to still conduct business for those of us that are not on the essential frontlines, in terms of working remotely, providing online services, and monetization, hence being a critical vehicle to safeguard some economic wellbeing. However, to be sustainable, the internet also needs to assess, mitigate, and live up to its responsibilities for a healthy environment – an element of the equation that is too often neglected. What is the internet’s environmental impact and what would it take for it to be sustainable?