Environment Control

Are Video Games Harmful To The Environment?

December 24, 2020 0

Are you a gamer? Then you belong to the 34 million nationwide who regularly reach for a computer game. But what about the environmental impact – is gaming sustainable?

Many visitors are flocking to the world’s largest trade fair for the video game industry – in terms of exhibition space and visitor numbers – the Gamescom. In 2019, it took place at the exhibition center in Cologne with the motto “Cloud Gaming”. It run from August 20th to 24th. Cloud gaming or “Gaming as a Service” means playing video games over a server. The servers require electricity that has to be generated – and not always environmentally friendly. However, sustainability is not an issue at the fair, although the gaming industry is now larger than the film or music industry.

Games are more popular than ever

Video games are becoming increasingly popular. In Germany alone, according to the Association of the German Games Industry, over 34 million men and women play games on a daily basis. 48 percent of gamers are female, 52 percent male at the average age of 36. The trend continues to increase. Whether with game apps on mobile phones or with the family and friends playing games online at sites like https://www.yesgamers.com/diablo-2/runes or on the console playing the latest games by Nintendo. The variety of games contributes to further spread. But storage space is necessary for the games: According to a forecast by Statista, the data volume is expected to increase to around 180 billion gigabytes by 2022 – four times the previous consumption.

Environmental pollution increases

The increasing demand for storage space and thus computing power increases power consumption and consequently also the environmental impact. According to a study by Springer Science and Business, gamers worldwide consumed around 75 billion kWh of electricity in 2015. That corresponds to about one-sixth of the annual German electricity consumption. The numbers are also rising sharply due to mobile consoles and smartphones. New technologies such as the 5G cellular standard are contributing to the progress. They support the current gaming trends e-sports, virtual and augmented reality as well as cloud gaming services such as Google Stadia or PlayStation Now.

New concepts needed

To counteract the growing environmental pollution, energy-efficient and sustainable IT infrastructures are required. For example, a hot-water direct cooling enables people to benefit from the heat waste of data centers to add heat to buildings and for connecting to district heating networks. This technology reduces CO2 emissions and at the same time saves cooling and heating costs. Other data centers around the world want to take advantage of the technology to reduce the environmental impact of gaming.

Explain environmental protection to children: Tips & inspiration

December 17, 2020 0

Environmental protection and sustainability are major issues nowadays. But it’s not just adults who think about climate protection, waste avoidance, biodiversity, or renewable energies. The younger generation also deals with questions relating to the environment. Environmental protection for children is therefore important and is also frequently taken up in kindergartens and schools. In this way, even the little ones gain an awareness of how they deal with living spaces and resources.

Explain environmental protection to children in an age-appropriate manner

If you want to explain environmental protection to children, you should pick up the little ones where they are. Examples from the experiences of the children are helpful to illustrate sustainability. For example, you and your kids can think about which types of fruit grow in your region maybe even in your own garden.

Informing about environmental protection together

Explaining environmental protection in a way that children can understand is sometimes not that easy. Because even adults do not always have all the facts on the subject at hand. But that’s not bad at all. Because it can even be a lot of fun to get information together with the little ones. Whether you look up terms together or find out more about everyday tips and child-friendly environmental projects – every step towards greater environmental awareness helps. Even when looking for car parts online such as, it is good to think about environmentally friendly products.

Set an example of environmental awareness

The best way for the little ones to learn environmentally friendly behavior is to use role models. You can be a good example to your kids and pay attention to sustainability in your everyday life. There are opportunities to practice environmental friendliness in every household.

Environmental protection for children: small projects

Child-friendly environmental projects are great for making environmental protection tangible for children. Suitable projects are now being implemented in many kindergartens and schools. For example, some classes collect rubbish in forests or green spaces and thus help to counteract environmental pollution. Such actions encourage an appreciative view of the planet.

Explore nature

Excursions into nature are also a good basis for discussing environmental protection for children. In the forest or in a nature reserve, you can bring the little ones into contact with nature. This can help to sensitize them to their environment and to promote a positive attitude towards nature.