Carbon footprint of Video Streaming
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1 hour streaming video = 0.04 kg CO2e (?)
This equals approximately:
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0.0 servings of 10g protein Beef (beef herd)
(Proteins) 🍌 0.0 kilograms Bananas
(Fruits) ✈️ 0.1 kilometers flight
(Transport) 🚗 0.2 kilometers driving a petrol car
(Cars) 🚶 0.2 kilometers walking
(Transport) 🚌 0.3 kilometers traveling by bus
(Transport) 🚲 0.5 kilometers cycling
(Transport) 🔌 0.8 kilometers driving an electric car
(Cars) 🚂 1.0 kilometer traveling by train
(Transport) 🤖 9.5 queries using ChatGPT
(AI) 🔍 180.0 searches searching on Google
(Search Engine)
(Proteins) 🍌 0.0 kilograms Bananas
(Fruits) ✈️ 0.1 kilometers flight
(Transport) 🚗 0.2 kilometers driving a petrol car
(Cars) 🚶 0.2 kilometers walking
(Transport) 🚌 0.3 kilometers traveling by bus
(Transport) 🚲 0.5 kilometers cycling
(Transport) 🔌 0.8 kilometers driving an electric car
(Cars) 🚂 1.0 kilometer traveling by train
(Transport) 🤖 9.5 queries using ChatGPT
(AI) 🔍 180.0 searches searching on Google
(Search Engine)
Can I offset this?
While carbon offsetting is an option, it's generally better to choose more sustainable alternatives when available. Offsetting should be your last resort after reducing emissions.
Footprints
| Option | CO2 (kg) | Per |
|---|---|---|
| Video Streaming | 0.04 | hour |
Explanation
Streaming one hour of video content, including data center and transmission network energy usage. Based on global average energy mix - actual emissions may vary significantly depending on your country's energy mix and the location of data centers used.
Sources
International Energy Agency (IEA) Commentary (2020): The carbon footprint of streaming video: fact-checking the headlines
https://www.iea.org/commentaries/the-carbon-footprint-of-streaming-video-fact-checking-the-headlines
Retrieved: 5 February 2025