How can I link information systems to global warming?

I鈥檓 doing a degree in information systems and would like to do my dissertation on the environment, global warming etc but naturally I need to link this to information systems.

Any ideas?

How can I link information systems to global warming?You say both "environment" and "global warming".



This suggests several avenues.



1) Environmental Impacts.

These are the "life cycle" impacts of manufacture, packaging, transport and disposal of IT equipment AND CONSUMABLES.



2) Enrgy implications of IT and GW.

Here the first thing that springs to mind is the need to differentiate between A) primary and B) secondary energy, i.e. A to make and power the systems - and B ancillary and support, maintenance, cooling etc.



After that distinction it gets easier, you can start to refine the discussion by looking at the IMPACTS of:



- extraction / manufacture of raw materials (conducting pastes, plastics)

- solvents and de-greasers, anti-static chemicals etc.

- production of components (clean rooms for CPUs manufacture)

- assembly of systems (factory assembly lines)

- packaging and shipping containers

- transport and logistics

- running and cooling power

- disposal - e.g. recycling, or landfill



Below are some useful articles to get you started.



Remember, though you're READING for a Degree, in my experience this usualy means you'll need more rigorous studies to quote. Perhaps DEFRA, DTI and BERR are good sites to check out.



There must also be IT Trade Organisations that are already doing research in the field. Check out your Uni's library catalogue. IMO they are the best source of info. Wish I had access to one handy!How can I link information systems to global warming?
A couple of great answers. How about a different thought process?



How about developing a system that links up producers/ manufacturers in a market area with distributors /resellers/consumers to find ways to minimize transportation costs. This is already done to some extent, but improvements can be made.



It can be extended to find suppliers for packaging, waste recycling, hazardous chemical recycling, etc. Reducing fuel usage and waste generated will help with global warming and many other problems, and help increase company profits - it can make your idea something sought after instead of something imposed. You might get funding.



In environmental management, the waste management people are always looking for ways to reduce waste, the need for hazardous chemicals, and ways to recycle the hazardous chemicals that they can't do without if it is at all possible. Disposing of hazardous waste is very difficult and getting more difficult. It might not be an obvious "emissions reduction" type program, but reducing the amount of these chemicals produced and disposed of or consumed helps with more than just global warming. It also saves companies from having to obtain special permits to use, store, dispose of this stuff which runs into real money and hassle.



How can I link information systems to global warming?James, you don't ask for much do you, but I will put my head around it and brb with ideas. Here are those ideas:

1) IT is a source of energy use and so therefore should be made more energy efficient.

2) There are solar panel chargers for laptops

3) Remote PC repairs to combat transport contiributions to energy inefficiencies

4) Remanufacturing using parts that are interchangable being more energy efficient

5) Community computers libraries etc being switched off when not in use

6) Automatic switch off being made standard

7) Learning via the internet about Global Warming

8) Consumers having to pay for the real cost to the environment of IT via their purchases

9) Biodegradable computer parts I have info about phone parts so this could be your unique angle on it, anyway here is the info:

Sony Ericsson has announced plans to explore using environmentally sound components in its cell phones.

MobileData reports that cell phones are not biodegradable, containing small amounts of potentially harmful substances in batteries which, if not disposed of properly, could damage the environment.

The GreenHeart concept will research green technologies, using bio-plastic housings, recycled plastic keypads, zero charger with 3.5mW standby power, HTML based e-manuals, a game style educational application 'Ecomate' and environmentally conscious packaging.

In August, Samsung released its E200 Eco, a phone whose entire case is made from bioplastic. NEC introduced a bioplastic phone in Japan in 2006, and has been using plant-derived materials since 2004.

"The global take back scheme and the GreenHeart project bring us closer to our vision of being a leader in sustainability in the mobile phone industry," said Mats Pellback-Scharp, Head of Corporate Sustainability for Sony Ericsson.

Sony Ericsson has also setup collection points to recycle used cell phones in an environmentally sound way. There are currently more than 500 collection points in India, Taiwan, China, Thailand, Singapore, USA and Mexico. By 2009, it plans to rollout the program in all the countries in which it operates.How can I link information systems to global warming?
Get a job at McDonalds.



If you do a report for an information systems degree and structure it around global warming -no one hiring information systems experts will hire you.



"That would be all I need. I'm hiring a computer programmer and get an eco-preacher greenshirt."



NO.How can I link information systems to global warming?I remember reading in a PC magazine 5-6 years ago that servers, which every medium to large business have and also in huge numbers to run the internet, would (by around now) be using around 25% of the total electric output of the U.S.How can I link information systems to global warming?
Read the book, God of fire , The principle of creation in the universe.



and sun the preserve of life.