ACTIVITY 8.1. – WRITTEN REPORT

Examine this article https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7368922/ and identify the

issues and challenges of the Internet of Things. Create a written report with not less than 500
words.

 

IoT Challenges: Finding the Balance for a Sustainable Future

The way we live, work and interact with the world around us has changed forever with the advent of Internet of Things (IoT). IoT holds the promise of a future — from smarter cities to improved healthcare, more efficient energy systems and transportation, are marked with convenience and innovation. But lurking under its bright promise are urgent challenges we cannot afford to ignore if we hope to forge a sustainable and equitable future. In this discussion the problems that IoT brings and why discussing them is essential.

The benefit that IoT brings is substantial but comes at a steep environmental cost. The manufacturing and running of IoT devices are very resource-intensive, with most rare earth metals used in them. Extraction often harms ecosystems and depletes finite resources. The energy that running IoT systems consumes leads to carbon emissions that cancel out global climate goals unless otherwise addressed. If action does not take place, the environmental costs of IoT will outweigh its benefits.

The rapid growth of IoT raises serious sustainability concerns. More devices mean more resources consumed and more waste generated. Many IoT products aren’t designed with sustainability in mind, which only adds to the problem. To truly support sustainable development, we need to rethink how we design, use, and dispose of IoT devices throughout their entire lifecycle.

IoT depends on scarce materials such as lithium, cobalt, and other rare earth elements. As demand for these resources grows, so does the pressure on the limited supply. This creates not only environmental concerns but also ethical and geopolitical issues since these materials are mined in questionable conditions. It's a stark reminder of the need for innovative solutions such as material recycling and alternatives to rare earth metals.

As IoT grows, so does electronic waste (e-waste). Many devices are built with short lifespans, and recycling them is often an afterthought. This means countless IoT products end up in landfills, where they release toxic substances into the soil and water. Without better recycling systems and sustainable design, IoT risks becoming a major contributor to pollution.

Despite its rapid adoption, we still don’t know enough about the long-term impacts of IoT. How much energy will it consume in the future? How will it affect waste systems? These unanswered questions leave us ill-prepared to address the challenges IoT might bring. We urgently need more research to guide policies and innovation for sustainable IoT development.

IoT is growing at an incredible pace, but this growth is largely unregulated. Without clear guidelines, the widespread deployment of IoT could make environmental and social problems worse. International standards are lacking, leaving a fragmented system where sustainability takes a backseat. Regulations and policies are crucial to ensuring that IoT grows responsibly.

IoT’s challenges go beyond environmental concerns. The technology requires enormous amounts of energy to keep devices connected, further straining power systems. Security and data management are other big hurdles, as is ensuring that devices can work together seamlessly. These challenges add to the complexity of making IoT a force for good.

Addressing these challenges will require collaboration and commitment. We need to prioritize research to understand IoT’s environmental impact fully and develop eco-friendly technologies that minimize harm. Governments and industries must work together to create regulations that guide sustainable growth. Finally, designing devices with sustainability in mind—from production to disposal—should be a top priority.

In the end, while IoT has incredible potential to improve lives and solve big problems, we must address its downsides to truly harness its benefits. With thoughtful planning, innovation, and cooperation, IoT can be more than a technological marvel—it can be a cornerstone of a smarter, greener future.