Preservación digital, or digital preservation, is the practice of ensuring that digital information remains accessible and usable for the indefinite future. This is an increasingly important discipline, as more and more of the world’s information is being created and stored in digital formats. However, the environmental impact of digital preservation, and the energy required to maintain it, is a growing concern.
One of the primary environmental impacts of digital preservation is the energy required to store and maintain digital information. Data centers, which are used to store and manage digital information, require a significant amount of energy to operate. According to a report by the Natural Resources Defense Council, data centers accounted for approximately 2% of the world’s electricity consumption in 2014. This energy consumption is primarily driven by the need to power servers, which require a constant supply of electricity to maintain their data storage and processing functions.
In addition to energy consumption, the materials used in digital preservation can also have environmental impacts. The production and disposal of electronic devices, such as hard drives and servers, can contribute to pollution and waste. The manufacturing process of these devices often involves the use of toxic chemicals, such as lead and mercury, which can be harmful to human health and the environment. The disposal of electronic devices can also be problematic, as many end up in landfills where they can leach toxic chemicals into the environment.
So, what can be done to reduce the environmental impact of digital preservation? Here are a few strategies:
1. Use renewable energy sources to power data centers. Many data centers are powered by fossil fuels, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. By using renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power, the environmental impact of digital preservation can be reduced.
2. Consolidate and reduce data storage. By consolidating data storage and reducing the amount of redundant or unnecessary data, the energy required to maintain digital preservation can be minimized.
3. Implement sustainable design practices for electronic devices. By using sustainable materials and designing devices for reuse and recyclability, the environmental impact of electronic devices can be reduced.
4. Increase public awareness about the environmental impact of digital preservation. By raising awareness about the impact of digital preservation and the need to reduce it, individuals and organizations can take action to minimize their environmental footprint.
In conclusion, digital preservation is an important practice for ensuring the long-term accessibility and usability of digital information. However, as the amount of digital information continues to grow, so too does the environmental impact of digital preservation. By implementing sustainable practices and increasing public awareness about the issue, we can reduce the environmental impact of digital preservation and ensure a more sustainable future for our planet.
Publisher Details:
Grupo Equis
www.equis.com.py
Preservamos información importante en medios analógicos, somos expertos en gestión de información y documentos, vendemos equipamiento para digitalización y preservación digital.
