Online Reporter
Jacqueline Ntaka, Opinion
OUR increasingly digitised world is now shaped by the ease of instant communication, cloud storage, and on-demand streaming, which are impacting every aspect of everyday life. Yet, this seemingly weightless digital existence carries a substantial and often overlooked environmental cost. Behind every click, stream, and upload lies a vast physical infrastructure — cables, routers, and especially data centres — that consumes immense amounts of energy and natural resources.
These data centres, which power everything from social media platforms to artificial intelligence systems, are particularly energy-intensive. A single large facility can use as much electricity as a small town, not only to run servers but also to operate powerful cooling systems that prevent overheating. Globally, the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector is responsible for a growing share of electricity consumption, with data centres alone projected to account for up to 3 percent of global energy use by 2030. This figure is expected to rise sharply with the increasing adoption of AI and other data-heavy technologies.
The environmental impact of this energy use is closely tied to how electricity is generated in different regions. In areas where fossil fuels like coal and gas dominate the energy mix, the digital economy contributes directly to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Moreover, the cooling systems in data centres often require vast amounts of water, placing additional strain on local freshwater supplies — particularly in regions already facing water scarcity.
In Zimbabwe, the environmental implications of digital consumption are shaped by the country’s unique energy landscape and developmental priorities. Although the digital infrastructure is less extensive than in more developed economies, its environmental footprint remains a pressing concern. Zimbabwe’s electricity generation relies heavily on a mix of hydropower and coal. The dependence on coal, a major source of carbon emissions, means that every gigabyte of data consumed carries a significant environmental cost. Compounding this issue are frequent power outages, which force reliance on diesel generators to maintain critical digital services. These generators not only drive up operational costs but also emit harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.
Nonetheless, there is hope on the horizon. Zimbabwe enjoys abundant sunshine, and solar energy is increasingly being embraced as a sustainable alternative. Both the Government and private sector are investing in solar solutions to build a more resilient and environmentally friendly digital infrastructure. A notable example is the collaboration between Unicef and the Government to solarise schools across the country, ensuring reliable electricity for education and connectivity while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Despite the challenges, the digital world also offers powerful tools for building a more sustainable future. Achieving a greener digital life requires co-ordinated efforts from governments, businesses, and individuals alike. For institutions, this means investing in energy-efficient technologies, adopting renewable energy sources, and exploring innovative solutions such as reusing waste heat from data centres. Regulatory bodies like the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) can play a pivotal role in ensuring that new infrastructure is developed with environmental sustainability in mind.
On an individual level, users can make a difference by being more conscious of their digital habits. Simple actions such as reducing unnecessary data usage, opting to stream in standard rather than high definition, and properly recycling electronic waste can collectively have a meaningful impact. Our digital lives are not inherently green; their environmental footprint is a direct reflection of the energy and resources used to sustain them. By recognising this reality and supporting sustainable practices, we can enjoy the benefits of digital technology without compromising the health of our planet.
Jacqueline Ntaka is the CEO of Mviyo Technologies, a local tech company that provides custom software development, mobile applications and data analytics solutions. She can be contacted on [email protected]
