We often overlook the environmental cost of our digital activities. Every action we take online—posting a photo, streaming a video, or even sending a message—requires energy, contributing to a growing environmental footprint. High-definition video streaming, a dominant component of social media, is a major driver of greenhouse gas emissions, and this impact is only expected to rise as video quality and usage increase.

Recent studies indicate that the average internet user is responsible for approximately 414 kg of carbon dioxide emissions annually, highlighting the broader climate impact of our digital lifestyles. Despite raising awareness in my WhatsApp groups, urging people to think twice before sharing videos, photos, and Sharechat images, my efforts often go unnoticed. Perhaps more relatable analogies—like the one above—could help drive the message home.

I believe that rather than designating a single day (e.g., National AI Literacy Day on March 28, 2025), we need a sustained, global campaign to promote awareness about digital consumption and its environmental consequences. I am sure the thought leaders have valuable insights and solutions to address this challenge.

How can we effectively integrate digital literacy with environmental consciousness? Looking forward to your thoughts.

Hashtags: #Sustainability #EcoFriendly #ClimateChange #DigitalFootprint #CarbonFootprint