Economics classes can use this when identifying the ways technologies increase economic growth and standards of living.
Scientist Notes
The world is becoming more digital through the Internet, and the resource attempts to evaluate carbon footprints from this sector. Although data centers and hubs use a lot of energy, the benefits of the Internet have made life and communication seamless. Other sectors like transportation, agriculture, manufacturing, etc. contribute CO2 emissions more than emissions from data centers. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
MS-ESS3-4 Construct an argument supported by evidence for how increases in human population and per-capita consumption of natural resources impact Earth's systems.
College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards
Dimension 1: Developing Questions and Planning Inquiries
D1.2.6-8 Explain points of agreement experts have about interpretations and applications of disciplinary concepts and ideas associated with a compelling question.
Dimension 2: Economics
D2.Eco.13.9-12 Explain why advancements in technology and investments in capital goods and human capital increase economic growth and standards of living.
Dimension 4: Taking Informed Action
D4.6.6-8 Draw on multiple disciplinary lenses to analyze how a specific problem can manifest itself at local, regional, and global levels over time, identifying its characteristics and causes, and the challenges and opportunities faced by those trying to address the problem.
