Watching Netflix for 30 mins harms planet as much as driving 6 kms, finds green report

The report by scientists at the prestigious Royal Society in the UK had revealed that HD video streaming on a smartphone generates about eight times more emissions than standard definition (SD). 

We all know that how harmful are cars to the plant because they emit carbon monoxide and other toxins. But did you know that binging your favorite series on Netflix for close to an hour is equally harmful to the planet? We could not possibly think of something like this until we came across a report claiming the same. The report by scientists at the prestigious Royal Society in the UK had revealed that HD video streaming on a smartphone generates about eight times more emissions than standard definition (SD). Another research conduct by Maxime Efoui-Hess of the Shift Project stated that watching a 30-min show on a streaming app like Netflix emits as much carbon dioxide as driving 6 km in a car. However, Netflix is not quite convinced with the findings of the two of the research groups. The streaming giant has shared details about its carbon footprint. The researchers of the Royal Society had urged online platforms and regulators to limit streaming resolution and set the default to SD to reduce per capita carbon emissions and combat climate change. "Arguably decisions on limiting streaming resolution should be taken by platforms and regulators," the report says, rather than consumers. The report had revealed that the digital sector’s estimated contribution to global emissions ranges from 1.4% to 5.9% of the global total.