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)