Despite their diminutive stature, the world’s microchips levy a high toll on the environment. From an unprecedented analysis, researchers have found that the creation and use of a single 2-gram chip requires at least 72 g of chemicals, 1.6 kilograms of fossil fuel, and 32 kg of water.
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Microchips’ combination of small size and high value can leave the impression that they offer large benefits with little environmental impact, the scientists remark in the December 15 issue of Environmental Science & Technology. It’s a misleading notion, they argue.