Going digital – good or bad for the climate?

Digital technology is embedded in almost every aspect of our lives. We wake up to smart alarm clocks that adjust based on our sleep patterns, work remotely through cloud-based platforms, rely on AI-powered assistants to organise our days, and use navigation apps to calculate the most fuel-efficient routes. Life has never been more reliant on energy-intensive digital infrastructure. As digital technology becomes more integrated into our lives, we must ask ourselves: is it a driving force for sustainability, or is it adding to the climate crisis?

Digitalisation as a climate solution

Recent research by the World Economic Forum suggests that digital technologies could cut global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 20% by 2050, particularly in high-emitting sectors such as energy, materials, and transportation. Advances in AI, big data analytics, and automation have enabled businesses and governments to monitor and reduce their carbon footprints with greater precision.

Key benefits of digitalisation for the climate include:

• AI-driven energy optimisation: Smart grids and AI-powered forecasting have improved the efficiency of renewable energy deployment, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
• Remote work and virtual collaboration: The continued shift towards digital workplaces has lowered emissions related to commuting and business travel.
• Digital twins and predictive maintenance: These technologies help industries reduce waste and energy consumption by simulating real-world operations to predict and prevent inefficiencies.

The dark side: growing carbon footprint of digital technologies

Despite these advantages, the digital sector is increasingly contributing to global emissions. Data centres and data transmission networks accounted for about 1% of global energy-related GHG emissions in 2023. With the rise of generative AI, demand for computing power has surged, leading to higher electricity consumption and increased pressure on energy grids.

Key concerns include:

• Energy-intensive AI training: Training advanced AI models uses a lot of electricity, increasing energy demand. A single ChatGPT query uses between 50 and 90 times more energy than a conventional Google search. Running AI systems also demands large volumes of water, with some large-scale models consuming millions of litres for cooling during both training and operation.
• E-waste and short device lifespans: The rapid turnover of digital devices continues to contribute to global waste problems.
• Growing internet and data traffic: Increased streaming, cloud computing, and blockchain operations demand ever-expanding data infrastructure.

Policy responses

Given the urgency of balancing technological growth with sustainability, the EU is ramping up its efforts to tackle these issues. This includes advancing its ‘twin transition’ strategy, which blends digitalisation with green goals through the Green Deal Industrial Plan, aimed at boosting clean technology manufacturing and cutting down on fossil fuel usage. Meanwhile, the new Competitiveness Compass sets out Europe’s long-term vision, emphasising digital innovation and sustainability as key to future economic strength and prosperity. The upcoming Clean Industrial Deal will further shape the EU’s approach to a greener digital sector.

What can you do?

Large-scale policy and industry shifts are necessary, but individuals and communities can also take steps to reduce the environmental impact of digital technology.

Here are some practical ways to make a difference:

• Optimise device usage: Extend the lifespan of electronics by taking care of them – for example, by repairing instead of replacing them (consider using a repair café!) and recycling old devices responsibly.
• Reduce unnecessary digital storage: Regularly clean up cloud storage, delete old emails, and unsubscribe from newsletters you no longer read to limit data centre energy consumption.
• Adjust streaming habits: Choose lower video quality settings when high resolution isn’t necessary, and opt for downloads instead of repeated streaming.
• Use energy-efficient settings: Enable power-saving modes on devices, reduce screen brightness, and switch off electronics when not in use.
• Support sustainable tech choices: Choose products and services from companies committed to renewable energy and sustainability.

With the right strategies in place, digital transformation can drive sustainability forward instead of creating more climate challenges.

If you’re ready to make a difference in 2025, join the European Climate Pact Team on AWorld and help us reach our goal of 200,000 climate actions this spring. Visit the Climate Pact website for inspiration on a range of climate-friendly steps you can take. Why not start by looking through your old emails, attachments and photos, and deleting those you no longer need?

Don’t forget to encourage others to do the same on social media, by email, or by word of mouth, and share your progress using the hashtag #EUClimatePact.