Our tech obsession is destroying the planet, and these shocking images prove it.
We’re all guilty of upgrading our phones, tablets, and gadgets at an alarming rate. But have you ever stopped to think about the environmental cost of this constant consumption? A groundbreaking project is using before-and-after visualizations to reveal how our tech addiction could irreversibly alter some of the world’s most iconic landscapes. And this is the part most people miss: the tech industry’s environmental footprint is twice as large as the aviation industry’s, contributing a staggering 6% to the human-driven climate crisis.
Artists, in collaboration with scientists, have created hauntingly realistic depictions of what places like Venice, Italy, the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, Iguazu Falls on the Argentina-Brazil border, and the Seine River in Paris might look like by the end of the century. These images, currently on display at London’s Last Shot Gallery, are a stark reminder of the consequences of our actions. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the EU is pushing for legislation to curb built-in obsolescence—like universal chargers and right-to-repair laws—tech companies are fiercely resisting, claiming it’s an interference with the free market. Who’s right? And what does this mean for the future of our planet?
The damage isn’t just theoretical. The extraction of rare materials like tantalum, cobalt, and tin for our devices comes at a devastating social and environmental cost. And when we discard our old gadgets, they often end up in landfills or incinerators, releasing toxic chemicals and greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide. In 2022 alone, a record 62 million tonnes of e-waste was produced—a number that’s only expected to grow. This is the part that should keep you up at night: unless we change our habits, these stunning landscapes could become unrecognizable in our lifetimes.
Luke Forshaw from Back Market, a global marketplace for refurbished tech, puts it bluntly: “People recognize the changes happening around them, but too many still don’t see how their everyday tech choices connect to the bigger picture.” It’s a disconnect that’s costing us dearly. So, what can we do? Here are five simple steps to reduce your tech-related carbon footprint:
- Hold onto your devices longer. Find a piece of tech you love and stick with it.
- Reuse, don’t discard. Your phone contains precious materials that can—and should—be recycled.
- Sell or donate old devices to reputable reuse shops or through peer-to-peer platforms.
- Optimize your battery life by keeping it between 20-80% charged.
- Keep your devices clean, especially charging ports, to ensure they last longer.
But here’s the real question: Are these steps enough? Or do we need a fundamental shift in how we produce, consume, and dispose of technology? The images from this exhibition don’t just predict a future—they challenge us to act now. What do you think? Are tech companies doing enough, or is it time for stricter regulations? Let’s start the conversation in the comments below.
