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The Hidden Cost of Tech
The Hidden Cost of Tech
Every Google search, every Netflix stream, every text message has an environmental footprint you can't see. Data centres powering the cloud use as much electricity as some countries. Your old phone contains rare earth metals mined in environmentally destructive ways. E-waste piles up in landfills, leaking toxic chemicals. But technology also helps - smart grids, remote working, digital documents. It's a complex picture!
What is e-waste?: Discarded electronic devices
Computer Science glossary
- What is e-waste?
- Discarded electronic devices
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Exam Tips - Environmental Issues
Key points for exam success:
- Balance your answer - mention BOTH negative AND positive impacts
- Be specific - "data centres use lots of energy" is better than "computers are bad"
- If asked for solutions, suggest realistic ones (recycling, renewable energy, efficiency)
- Use concrete examples - "50 million tonnes of e-waste annually"
Common exam mistakes to avoid:
- Being one-sided - always show awareness of both sides
- Vague answers - "technology is bad for environment" needs specific examples
- Forgetting positive impacts - remote working, digital documents, smart systems
- Not linking e-waste to specific toxic materials (lead, mercury, cadmium)
Now try it yourself
Quiz · Question 1 of 17
What is e-waste?
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