Impact of Virtual World on Environment

Technology innovations have morphed the real world and increased the share of virtual interactions. While the convenience aspect of online world is much discussed, seldom we see reference to its impact on nature. This paper evaluates the impact of technology on nature, with respect to virtual world. Existing literature and industry opinions have been reviewed, to build a compelling business case for sustainability. Online world has been able to reduce pollution resulting from logistics, by providing collaboration and communication platform for geographically-dispersed people. Also, the productivity improvement in various activities reduces impact on nature, indirectly. Limitations of technology, in the form of heat generated from data centers, fossil fuel used for electricity generation, and managing endof-life are also outlined. This paper can be useful to technology providers and users to properly represent their sustainability practices for supporting nature.