Is binging Netflix bad for the Earth? Study probes carbon output

The industry-backed research from climate group Carbon Trust found an hour of streaming Netflix emits the equivalent of about 55 grams of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Streaming your favorite hourlong television show is the environmental equivalent of boiling a kettle for six minutes or popping four bags of popcorn in the microwave, according to an industry-backed study from climate group Carbon Trust. The findings are encouraging to researchers — and good news for streamers such as Netflix Inc., which helped fund the work — because they show the carbon footprint of streaming is smaller than some estimates in the past showed. Further, the study revealed ways in which entertainment companies can cut the emissions their products generate. Like most industries, the film and television business is on a mad dash to cut carbon dioxide output, hoping to help mitigate the worst effects of climate change. While streaming a show has less of an impact on the environment than, say, the production of a new movie, companies are looking for any way they can to improve sustainability.