Our public lecture series “Sustainability in Computer Science” continues…

René Mayrhofer is Professor for Networks and Security at JKU Linz.

His lecture is on “Computer Science Between Energy Savings and Waste: From Videoconferencing to Blockchain”.

Abstract

Digital information and communication services offer the potential for significant energy savings: video conferencing instead of trans-continental flight, file transfer and streaming instead of shipping physical media, or cryptocurrency instead of transporting gold and paper money. But what is the real energy balance of these digital options? In this talk, we try to quantify such comparisons based on estimates of the energy consumption of various digital services.

Online Event

Switch on your laptop and join us via Zoom! Whether you’re a student, a professional looking to expand your knowledge, or a citizen interested in sustainability issues – this lecture series is open to everyone.

Public Lecture Series “Sustainability in Computer Science”

Sustainability is not an optional feature. Targeting economic, social, and ecological issues through sustainable development has become a must, not least since the publication of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in 2015. Computer Science (CS), and more prominently and recently, Artificial Intelligence (AI), is hailed as the solution to many sustainability problems (and yes, it is!). Still, energy efficiency and CO2 reduction must be considered to ensure fair and ecological use of resources. Hence, dealing with CS and sustainability involves two faces of the same coin: Sustainability with CS, and Sustainability for CS.

This public lecture series is unique in Austria, with all Austrian CS departments and faculties participating under the auspices of Informatik Austria. We want to raise awareness for the utmost importance of sustainability in CS, demonstrating research solutions to various problems, and triggering developments for a sustainable future.

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