FutureWire - futurism and emerging technology

Friday, March 31, 2006

Pervasive Computing's Impact on the Environment

As we move ever steadily toward a pervasive computing environment -- in which a variety of objects contain on-board interactive computers -- this article from the IEEE ponders what effect it could have on a sustainable environment.

From increased energy demands for powering pervasive computers, to disposal issues, to exposure to non-ionizing radiation, to the psychological stress that may result from an "always on" networked environment, pervasive computing (if improperly developed and managed) is fraught with unintended consequences for the environment, personal health and emotional well-being.

Source: Buckminster Fuller Institute