TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE INTERNET OF THINGS: BALANCING TECHNOLOGICAL GROWTH WITH ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

Abstract

This commentary critically examines the environmental challenges stemming from the rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT), a technological advancement that is reshaping industries and transforming everyday life. As IoT devices become more ubiquitous, they bring about significant environmental concerns, including increased energy consumption, electronic waste, and the depletion of natural resources tied to their production, deployment, and operation in the environment. Drawing on documentary evidence and recent studies, this article evaluates these impacts, underscoring the dual-edged nature of IoT's growth: while it offers substantial benefits in terms of connectivity, efficiency, and automation, these advancements come at a steep ecological cost. The study reveals that current IoT practices often prioritize technological progress over environmental sustainability, resulting in a growing environmental footprint that threatens to undermine global efforts to address climate change and conserve natural resources. To mitigate these negative effects, the commentary proposes several sustainable solutions. These include the development of low-power networks that reduce energy consumption, the design of eco-friendly IoT devices that minimize resource use and waste, and the adoption of circular economy principles within the IoT sector to promote recycling and reuse. The evidence suggests that without a deliberate effort to integrate sustainability into every phase of IoT development and deployment, the environmental consequences of this technology will continue to escalate. Ultimately, this commentary calls for a paradigm shift in IoT development—one that harmonizes technological innovation with environmental stewardship, ensuring that the future of IoT is not only advanced but also sustainable for generations to come.