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Discussion on: Can code save the planet?

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DrBearhands • Edited

I think what can be done with software is limited, because it acts in the virtual domain rather than the physical one.

Generally speaking, the problem isn't a lack of software, so the solution isn't going to be more software.

Keeping that in mind, any (partial) solution from software must be either about reducing software's own negative influence or providing useful information or communication for things that do affect the physical world.

The first option mostly means writing more efficient programs. Ditch python in favor of rust. This isn't going to accomplish much.
Alternatively you could store computations for times when renewable energy sources are overproducing. You'd be storing work rather than storing energy, the later being the focus of much renewable energy research. Even if you'd get all non-critical computation in the world to 0 emissions this way, I doubt it would make a big difference.

For the second, in essence, you'd play support for people who do fix or alleviate these problems. E.g. government agencies concerned with monitoring adherence to environmental laws or a relevant department at a university or research institute, both are often looking for software engineers.