Comedy of the Week Carbon Lifeforms
Nov 3, 2025
Chris McCausland, a comedian with a software engineering background, brings humor to tech discussions while sharing quirky anecdotes about media consumption. Joining him is Mike Berners-Lee, a sustainability expert, who emphasizes the necessity of actionable carbon accounting. They delve into the hidden carbon costs of the internet, the paradox of increased emissions from efficiency, and the potential pitfalls of carbon offsets. Chris also hilariously debates vinyl versus streaming, while Mike offers tips on decluttering your digital life to benefit both personal wellbeing and the planet.
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Episode notes
Devices Pack Hidden Resource Value
- Phones and laptops contain high concentrations of precious metals, making electronics recycling valuable.
- Reusing components like cobalt and lithium reduces the need for harmful new mining.
Trim Your Cloud And AI Use
- Limit unnecessary cloud storage and AI prompts to reduce energy and water use.
- Delete old files and avoid wasteful repeated AI queries to lower your digital footprint.
Data Centres Strain Grids Locally
- Data centres consume a rising share of national electricity, e.g., 20% in Ireland.
- Rapid data centre growth challenges local electricity supply and planning for renewables.
