Technology is ingrained in every aspect of my daily routine as a student. From submitting assignments online to collaborating with classmates over cloud platforms, these conveniences are provided by expansive data centers scattered across the Philippines. Yet, despite benefiting from these services, I am deeply concerned about their environmental toll, a concern I believe more people should share.

Data centers are known to be significant consumers of energy and water resources. In 2020, the global data center industry consumed around 200 terawatt-hours of electricity, accounting for approximately 1% of the worldwide electricity demand. In the Philippines, where innovation and technology are avenues to economic growth, promoting transparency about environmental impact is imperative. Without public disclosure of their water and energy consumption, it is difficult to gauge the true impact data centers have on our environment.

The demand for data centers is increasing with growing digital needs. This places a burden not only on energy resources but also on local water supplies, with some data centers using millions of gallons of water per day to cool their facilities. In many regions of the Philippines, water scarcity is a pressing issue, and unchecked water usage by data centers could exacerbate this problem, affecting communities and ecosystems.

Mandating data centers to reveal their environmental impact is a crucial first step towards accountability. It will empower citizens, government bodies, and environmental organizations to have informed discussions and make necessary adjustments to policies and practices. Countries like the United States and parts of Europe are leading by example, where many data centers voluntarily report their sustainability performance, setting standards for eco-friendly operations.

By requiring large data centers in the Philippines to publicly disclose their water and energy consumption, we can foster an environment of transparency and accountability. This will not only promote sustainable practices within the tech sector but also protect our valuable resources for future generations.

I urge the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the Department of Energy, and relevant government agencies to introduce regulations that require data centers to publicly share this vital information. Such measures are crucial to ensuring that our technological advances do not compromise our environmental health.

Please sign this petition to demand transparency and accountability from data centers, safeguarding the environment while continuing to enjoy the benefits of technology.