Part of ‘going green’ is ‘getting wired’
Published op -ed in Sheboyganpress.com Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Regarding the “Still going green” article in the July 30 Press, the Wisconsin sustainability movement should add “getting wired” to people’s “going green” goals. Fiber optics, cable and corded Internet/phones provide the safest, most sustainable connection for families and businesses.
Wireless is not sustainable. The carbon footprint of radiation-based communication if 4% of global green-house gas emissions, rising 9% per year, said Jean-Marc Jancovici, member of the French High Climate Council, referenced in “Climate Change and 5G” by the Environmental Health Trust (EHT). 5G system base stations and Internet of Things networks will consume up to twice or more power than 4G, said the report.
The EHT cites science showing wireless radiation harms bees, birds and trees. Pollinators will absorb between 3% to 370% more of 5G frequencies. Current wireless interferes with birds’ navigation systems and circadian rhythms, development and reproduction. Electromagnetic frequencies have been shown to alter the growth and development of plants.
Additionally, tree canopies must be hacked or removed to enable 5G connection.
Green-minded, health-conscious folks may want to get wired – the most sustainable communications choice. We need to push lawmakers to install fiber optics to premises nationwide, sharing the EHT report and the “Re-inventing Wires: The Future of Landlines and Networks” report published by the National Institute for Science, Law & Public Policy.
Charyl Zehfus, Sheboygan
