The Hidden Cost of Our Digital Lives - Reflections on The Dark Cloud
8 July 2025 - 1 Minute Read
Recently, I had the chance to meet journalist and author Guillaume Pitron, who wrote The Dark Cloud. Not only did he sign a copy of the book using a Baby Blue pen, but he also delivered a thought-provoking talk.
Having now read the book; I’d highly recommend it to anyone working in tech or digital infrastructure.
The Dark Cloud pulls back the curtain on the environmental impact of our increasingly digital world. While we often think of “the cloud” as clean and invisible, the reality is far from it. Guillaume explores the huge energy demands of data centres, the rare earth materials mined to build our devices, and the growing carbon footprint of streaming, storage, and AI.
What struck me most was how little awareness there is around the true cost of our digital habits, and how decisions made in boardrooms and data centres can have real-world consequences, often thousands of miles away.
For those of us working in IT and infrastructure, it’s a timely reminder that digital sustainability should be a core part of our strategy, not just a buzzword.
About the Author
Lee Bailey
Lee Bailey brings 30 years of experience in the IBM services industry, beginning his career in engineering before transitioning into sales and ultimately sales leadership. A qualified Chartered Director (CDir), Lee has served as a Board Member, Director, and Board Advisor for multiple IT services businesses. As the founder of Baby Blue IT & Consulting, he is assembling a team of industry experts focused on IT services and business growth, leveraging his extensive expertise to drive innovation and value for clients.
LinkedIn
