Report highlights urgent need for sustainable strategies throughout life cycle of digitalization for environmentally sustainable and inclusive digital future.
- As per the report, internet users have increased from 1 billion in 2005 to 5.4 billion in 2023.
Environmental footprint of Digitalization
- GHG emission: ICT sector is estimated to have accounted for 1.5– 3.2 % of global GHG emissions in 2020.
- Surge in e-waste: Increase in online shoppers has led to a 30 % rise in digital-related waste from 2010 to 2022, reaching 10.5 million tonnes globally.
- Water footprints: Data centres not only have considerable electricity needs but also require water for cooling.
- In 2022, Global data centres alone consumed 460 terawatts hours (expected to double by 2026).
- Ensuring supply of Critical minerals: Demand for minerals required for digitalization like graphite, lithium, and cobalt could surge by 500 % to 2050.
- In an effort to secure mineral, countries may encourage hoarding and overcapacity in production of minerals. This may result in less efficient processes and large environmental footprint.
Key Recommendations
- Adopting Circular economy models
- Strengthen regulations by enforcing tougher environmental standards
- Invest in renewable energy, support R&D of energy-efficient technologies
- Incentivize and promote new sustainable business models (e.g., electronic products as a service)
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