Will the internet of things sacrifice or save the environment?

Some devices will power themselves but the more complex will contribute to the world's huge data storage energy bill

The internet of things (IoT) - that ever-expanding ecosystem of digital sensors, home appliances and wearable smart devices - attracts its fair share of attention. Speculation is rife on how the 23bn-odd (and counting) "things" will improve quality of life, streamline business operations and ultimately fuel economic benefits to the tune of up to $11tn per year by 2025.

Less often considered is the cost to the environment of such a vast network of devices. With the full extent of the IoT far from being realised, even experts are divided on whether it will spell doom or salvation for the environment.