Cooperation for a Green Digital Future | IGF 2023

Knowledge Graph of Debate

Session report

Yawri Carr

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize our approach to sustainability and shape a sustainable future. By harnessing the power of AI, we can effectively address the challenges posed by climate change, protect the environment, and build resilient and sustainable communities.

AI applications have emerged as powerful tools for monitoring and protecting the environment. Through advanced data analysis and machine learning algorithms, AI can provide real-time information about environmental changes, enabling us to take proactive measures to mitigate negative impacts. For example, AI-driven systems can monitor pollution levels, deforestation rates, and wildlife habitats to inform conservation efforts and promote sustainable practices.

The predictive capabilities of AI are also instrumental in tackling climate change and natural disasters. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data gathered from various sources to accurately predict climate patterns, identify potential hazards, and assess the risks associated with climate-related events. This information can help us develop effective disaster response strategies, plan for resilient infrastructure, and minimize the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities.

In addition, AI can optimize the use of green energy resources, making our energy systems more sustainable and efficient. Through AI-powered algorithms, renewable energy generation and distribution can be optimized, ensuring that energy resources are utilized effectively and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Furthermore, AI can contribute to building safe and sustainable cities. By analyzing various data sources, such as traffic patterns, air quality measurements, and infrastructure performance, AI systems can help optimize urban planning and improve resource allocation. This can lead to reduced congestion, improved air quality, and a better overall quality of life in cities.

Engaging and empowering youth in leveraging AI for sustainability is crucial. Integrating informatics and AI education into school curricula and online platforms is essential to equip the younger generation with the necessary knowledge and skills to utilize AI in a responsible and sustainable manner. Initiatives like global hackathons, innovation challenges, and youth-led technology hubs can foster creativity and problem-solving abilities among young people, driving innovation for a sustainable future.

It is also important to ensure that education and innovation opportunities are accessible to regions and groups that have historically faced discrimination or limited access to resources. By promoting inclusivity, we can leverage the diverse perspectives and talents of individuals from different backgrounds to address sustainability challenges effectively.

In conclusion, AI has the potential to profoundly impact sustainability efforts. By providing tools for environmental monitoring, predicting climate change and disasters, optimizing green energy, and improving urban planning, AI can contribute to building a sustainable future. Engaging and empowering youth in leveraging AI for sustainability is crucial. Investing in education and encouraging youth-led innovation are essential steps in combating climate change and ensuring a more sustainable world for future generations.

Audience

The analysis presents several significant insights and concerns regarding environmental protection and the impact of technology on biodiversity. Firstly, Michelle and Alexia emphasized the crucial role of transparency in environmental reports. This indicates the need for accurate and accessible information regarding environmental issues, allowing for better decision-making and accountability. Furthermore, Alexia highlighted how technology can influence biodiversity, drawing attention to the potential positive or negative consequences of technological advancements.

Another key concern raised in the analysis is the impact of technology and digital disputes on environmental rights and protection. Research from Brasília University revealed that legal disputes often fail to effectively protect the environment. Moreover, there is an observed disparity in international legal disputes relating to environmental protection. This indicates the necessity for a more robust and harmonized approach to address digital disputes and ensure effective environmental protection.

The analysis also advocates for stronger protection for the environment in legal disputes related to technology and the digital sphere. Evidence suggests that there is often a disparity between environmental laws and regulations and the actual outcomes of legal disputes. As a result, it is argued that a more comprehensive and stringent framework is required to safeguard the environment.

In terms of climate change, decarbonization and carbon sequestration were highlighted as measures aimed at mitigating its effects. However, it is noted that these measures may not be fully aligned with the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). This raises questions about the effectiveness and adequacy of current climate change mitigation strategies.

Additionally, the extraction of natural resources was discussed in relation to human rights violations. The analysis suggests that these violations may not be fully considered when calculating carbon footprints or establishing benchmarks. This indicates a need to reassess how human rights concerns are factored into measures of environmental impact.

The environmental impact of continuous data collection was a further area of concern. It was revealed that data centres surpass the entire airline industry in terms of CO2 emissions. This prompts a reevaluation of the necessity and consequences of ongoing data collection practices.

Furthermore, the analysis raised concerns about the societal impact of data collection policies on marginalized communities. Specific mention was made of how data is being used to prevent migrants and forcibly displaced persons from seeking asylum. This raises ethical and human rights issues, highlighting the potential negative consequences of data collection policies.

Finally, the analysis concludes that the measures and policies implemented to address climate change may not be sufficient or as effective as claimed. Moreover, they may even have unforeseen negative impacts. The aggregated evidence presented, encompassing decarbonization, natural resource extraction, data collection, and human rights, supports the need for reevaluating and strengthening current approaches to safeguarding the environment and addressing climate change.

In summary, the analysis provides valuable insights into the importance of transparency in environmental reporting, the impact of technology on biodiversity, and the necessity for stronger environmental protection in legal disputes related to technology. Concerns were raised regarding the alignment of decarbonization and carbon sequestration measures with IPCC findings, the consideration of human rights violations in carbon footprinting, the environmental impact of continuous data collection, and the negative societal impacts of data collection policies on marginalized communities. It concludes by highlighting the need to reconsider existing climate change measures and policies to ensure their effectiveness and mitigate any unintended negative consequences.

Nadia Owusu

The analysis reveals several key points regarding the involvement of young people in digitalisation, decision-making, and sustainable practices. One of the main findings is that 75% of people online are young individuals aged between 15 and 21. Therefore, it is crucial for governments, private sectors, and youth organisations to recognise and treat young people as partners. This highlights the importance of multi-stakeholder consultations, where these different entities come together to discuss and collaborate on various issues. By involving young people as partners, their perspectives and ideas can be incorporated into policies and initiatives related to digital technologies, government policy, the private sector, and youth engagement.

To further ensure the inclusion of young people’s perspectives, it is recommended that young representatives be appointed to government committees and boards. This will help ensure that the decision-making process takes into account the insights and experiences of young individuals. By involving young representatives, the government can address the concerns and needs specific to this demographic, fostering a more inclusive decision-making process.

Another key finding is the importance of education and awareness regarding the Digital Footprint Initiative (DFI) and sustainable digital ecosystems. By promoting education on these topics, young people can become more informed and responsible digital citizens. This will enable them to contribute to the creation of a sustainable digital environment, in alignment with the goals of SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 13: Climate Action.

Additionally, the analysis emphasises the need for support from government and private stakeholders in empowering young innovators to build sustainable digital technologies. By providing resources, funding, and mentorship, young innovators can develop solutions that address environmental, social, and economic challenges. This aligns with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure and the collective goal of building a sustainable future.

Another focal point highlighted in the analysis is the importance of climate action and the development of digital skills for young people. By prioritising climate action, governments and private sectors can work towards mitigating the impact of climate change. Additionally, the emphasis on digital skills development ensures that young people are equipped with the necessary tools to navigate the digital landscape and contribute meaningfully to the economy. Both of these efforts are in line with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 13: Climate Action.

The analysis also identifies the need for established mechanisms for feedback evaluations to assess the effectiveness of policies. By establishing such mechanisms, governments can better understand the impact of their policies and make necessary adjustments to ensure they align with the intended objectives. This promotes accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement in policy-making, contributing to SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

Furthermore, the analysis suggests that young people should advocate for green tech, participate in e-waste recycling, use energy-efficient devices, limit their streaming time, and practice digital minimalism. By adopting these practices, young individuals can contribute to responsible consumption and production, in line with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 13: Climate Action.

It is noteworthy that Nadia Owusu, a participant in the analysis, supports the importance of youth involvement in discussions related to digitalisation and the green economy. Moreover, Nadia suggests that these discussions should be continued in other platforms such as the UNFCCC climate change conference and COP28 in Dubai. This highlights the need to engage a broader range of stakeholders and networks to address climate change and foster sustainable practices.

In conclusion, the analysis underscores the significance of involving young people as partners in decision-making processes, promoting education and awareness of sustainable practices, supporting young innovators, emphasising climate action and digital skills development, establishing feedback mechanisms, and advocating for responsible consumption and production. The insights gained from this analysis shed light on the potential of young people in driving positive change and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Michelle Thorne

In the analysis, several key points are highlighted by different speakers. Firstly, it is underscored that a significant proportion of internet infrastructure relies on fossil fuels for power. This usage not only contributes to environmental pollution but also poses a challenge in terms of sustainability. As electricity demands for general computing and artificial intelligence (AI) continue to rise, the increase in digitisation aggravates the problem further. To address this issue, the speakers argue for a transition towards sustainable energies to power internet infrastructure, promoting SDG7: Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.

Secondly, the analysis points out a lack of transparency and accountability regarding the environmental impacts of digital technologies. Specifically, there is limited reporting on scope three emissions from the digital supply chain, which encompasses the indirect emissions associated with the lifecycle of digital products and services. Additionally, it is noted that tech companies are lagging behind in publishing credible net-zero targets, indicating a lack of commitment to reducing their environmental footprint. Furthermore, some tech companies perform worse than fossil fuel companies when it comes to transparency in disclosing their environmental impacts. This lack of transparency and accountability contributes to the overall negative sentiment surrounding the environmental effects of digital technologies, linked to SDG12: Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG13: Climate Action.

Another important argument put forth in the analysis is the need for democratic involvement in decisions regarding infrastructure planning and resource allocation. The absence of community participation in determining the placement and maintenance of infrastructure is highlighted, raising concerns about top-down decision-making processes that may neglect environmental considerations. There are specific instances of community backlash against non-environmentally friendly practices, suggesting that communities should have a say in shaping infrastructure plans and ensuring sustainability measures are implemented. This argument aligns with SDG9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Michelle Thorne, an advocate for digital innovation, presents a positive perspective in the analysis. She emphasises the importance of creating economic opportunities and benefits for the most impacted individuals in various areas. By promoting digital innovation, Thorne aims to foster economic growth and address the goal of reducing inequalities, aligning with SDG8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG10: Reduced Inequalities. Furthermore, she warns against the potential development of a “brittle monoculture” online. Rather than consolidating market power in the hands of existing companies, Thorne advocates for a diverse and open internet ecosystem that allows for equal participation and representation.

Overall, the analysis sheds light on various challenges and opportunities related to the environmental and social impacts of digital technologies. It underscores the need for a transition to sustainable energies in powering internet infrastructure, greater transparency and accountability regarding environmental impacts, democratic involvement in decision-making processes, and the promotion of a diverse and open internet ecosystem. These points highlight the importance of addressing these issues to achieve a more sustainable and equitable digital future, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Bitange Ndemo

This comprehensive analysis focuses on various topics related to climate action and sustainable energy. One notable finding is that Kenya heavily relies on green energy sources, with 94% of its energy coming from geothermal, wind, and hydro sources. This showcases the country’s commitment to sustainable practices and serves as an example for other nations to follow.

The analysis also highlights the potential of Africa to tap into its abundant sunshine, geothermal deposits, and rivers to generate green energy. By capitalising on these natural resources, Africa can strengthen its energy independence and contribute to global efforts in combating climate change.

Moreover, government strategies are identified as a crucial factor in reducing carbon emissions and involving youth in climate action. The analysis suggests that strategies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, such as promoting online conferences and teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic, have led to a decrease in carbon emissions due to reduced travel. Additionally, involving young people in every aspect of climate action can help foster a sense of ownership and empower the next generation to play an active role in finding sustainable solutions.

Regenerative agriculture is another concept highlighted in the analysis. It is argued that certain farming practices can lead to carbon sequestration, which removes carbon from the air and helps mitigate climate change. This presents an opportunity for the agricultural sector to not only address food security but also contribute positively to climate action.

Education is identified as a key factor in creating awareness about climate change. By providing quality education, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges posed by climate change and the importance of sustainable practices. This knowledge is crucial in empowering individuals to make informed decisions and take action.

Furthermore, the analysis explores the potential of information technology in precision farming for efficient resource use and carbon sequestration. By utilising IT in the sequestration of carbon for precision farming, the agricultural sector can play a significant role in combating climate change. This approach allows for better resource management and the reduction of carbon emissions, thus contributing to a more sustainable future.

In conclusion, the analysis brings attention to various strategies and approaches to promote climate action and sustainable energy. The examples from Kenya’s green energy efforts, the potential of Africa, government strategies, regenerative agriculture, education, and the use of information technology all serve as important pathways towards a more sustainable and climate-resilient future. By adopting these practices and collaborating on a global scale, we can work towards a greener and more sustainable planet.

Alexia Gonzalez Fanfalone

The analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the role of digital technologies in achieving environmental sustainability goals. It emphasizes the importance of common measurement standards to track the environmental impacts of digital technologies. The current lack of harmonisation in metrics makes it challenging to accurately assess and compare these impacts. The argument put forth is that only what can be measured can be improved. By implementing common measurement standards, policymakers and stakeholders will have a clearer understanding of the environmental effects of digital technologies, allowing them to develop more effective strategies for mitigating these impacts.

Furthermore, the analysis highlights the significance of a whole-of-government and multi-stakeholder approach to leverage digital technologies for environmental sustainability. While some communication regulators have partial mandates on environmental sustainability, only a fifth possess a direct mandate. This indicates that greater collaboration and coordination are needed among governments and stakeholders to fully harness the potential of digital technologies in promoting environmental sustainability. By adopting a holistic approach, policymakers can ensure that digital technologies are effectively utilised to address environmental challenges.

Digital technologies also have the potential to reduce their environmental footprint. For instance, the transition to energy-efficient communication networks can significantly decrease energy consumption. Additionally, the use of AI systems to optimise energy management of networks can lead to further energy savings. These advancements in digital technologies contribute to the overall reduction of the environmental impact.

Moreover, digital technologies play a crucial role in enabling other sectors of the economy, such as through the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart agriculture. The IoT allows for more efficient resource management, enabling industries to operate in a more sustainable manner. Smart agriculture practices, powered by digital technologies, increase precision and productivity while minimising resource wastage. This demonstrates the positive impact that digital technologies can have on multiple sectors of the economy, facilitating sustainable development.

The analysis also highlights the importance of efforts towards environmental equity, transparency, and a human-centric approach. These factors are essential for inclusive growth and development. By promoting environmental equity and transparency, policymakers can ensure that the benefits and burdens of environmental sustainability are shared fairly among different communities. Furthermore, a human-centric approach to the digital transition is vital, as it ensures that the adoption of digital technologies is directed in a positive way for society and the environment.

In addition to these main points, the analysis suggests that addressing systemic effects and other planetary boundaries beyond energy and resource efficiency is crucial. Issues such as biodiversity loss, ocean acidification, biochemical flows, and air pollution need to be considered in conjunction with energy and resource efficiency to achieve comprehensive environmental sustainability.

In conclusion, the analysis advocates for harnessing digital technologies to achieve green objectives and emphasises the need for a holistic approach. By implementing common measurement standards, adopting a whole-of-government and multi-stakeholder approach, reducing environmental footprints, enabling other sectors of the economy, promoting environmental equity and transparency, and directing digital transitions in a human-centric manner, we can effectively leverage digital technologies for environmental sustainability. However, it is imperative to go beyond energy and resource efficiency and address systemic effects and other planetary boundaries in danger. By considering these factors, policymakers and stakeholders can make significant strides towards achieving a sustainable and environmentally conscious future.

Patryk Pawlak

The analysis reveals several important points regarding the future of the internet and its environmental impact. Firstly, Patryk Pawlak emphasises the urgency of creating and implementing a ‘Declaration for the Future of the Internet’, which has already garnered support from over 70 countries. The aim of this declaration is to promote an open, free, safe, secure, and interoperable internet. It also seeks to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, promote inclusive and affordable connectivity, and foster trust in the global digital ecosystem, including through privacy protection.

In addition to the declaration, Patryk highlights the need for a multi-stakeholder panel to discuss ways to minimise the environmental impact of the internet and digital technologies. Plans are underway to conduct a workshop with participants from diverse backgrounds and expertise, which serves as the initial step in this conversation. Patryk recognises that addressing this issue will require ongoing, long-term discussions and concrete actions.

Furthermore, Patryk points out the importance of coordinated policies and infrastructure planning to minimise the environmental impacts. He provides an example of inefficient policy coordination between road construction and fibre optic cable installation, resulting in unnecessary harm to the environment. This underscores the need for better coordination and planning to minimise such negative consequences.

Moreover, Patryk advocates for learning and implementing strategies and frameworks that support green digital transition while prioritising environmental considerations. He urges Alexia to share thoughts on how digital technology deployments could support this transition. Additionally, Patryk acknowledges the role of organisations like the OECD in spearheading discussions on topics related to green digital transition and environmental considerations.

The report also highlights the interconnection between connectivity, digital financial inclusion (DFI), and the green transition. Various governments have recognised the importance of connectivity and its connection to the green transition and DFI. It is emphasised that the principle of connectivity needs to be prioritised in both the DFI and the green transition.

Finally, the analysis suggests that the use of new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), can address the digital transition’s impacts on climate and the environment. Jari Kar, a researcher at Telecommunications Technical University in Munich, has worked on the use of AI systems, demonstrating the potential for these technologies to contribute to addressing climate and environmental concerns.

In conclusion, the analysis emphasises the significance of creating a ‘Declaration for the Future of the Internet’, establishing a multi-stakeholder panel to discuss environmental impact, coordinating policies and infrastructure planning, supporting green digital transition, prioritising connectivity in the green transition and digital financial inclusion, and utilising new technologies to address the environmental impact of the digital transition.

Pearse O’Donohue

The European Union (EU) Commission has identified the green transition as one of its key priorities. In a strategic foresight report in 2022, it was stated that the digital footprint is responsible for approximately 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to 5 to 9% of electricity consumption. Furthermore, the digital sector is also increasingly contributing to e-waste. However, there is hope as digital solutions have the potential to cut about 15% of total emissions by 2030.

Acknowledging the need for action, the EU has launched the European Green Digital Coalition. This coalition is led by prominent industry players such as JESI, ETNO, Digital Europe, Digital SME Alliance, and GSMA. Its main objective is to encourage all players in the ICT sector to invest in designing and deploying digital solutions that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the durability and circularity of digital devices and equipment. The EU views this as a crucial step towards achieving SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Moreover, better integrated digitalization in environmental and climate policies is believed to yield positive results. The correct implementation of the digital transition not only supports the green transition but also receives support from it. The provision of green digital solutions in climate-critical sectors can have a significant positive impact on the environment, particularly for vulnerable geographies and societies. This aligns with SDG 13 (Climate Action) and highlights the potential for mutually beneficial development.

Data collection and credible data play a significant role in addressing climate change. The importance of data was emphasized during a session where panelists discussed the role of governments in collecting data and the need for reliable information. This underscores the need for accurate and scientifically sound data to inform effective climate action policies and decision-making.

The EU is committed to ensuring that the ICT sector moves towards carbon neutrality and contributes to other sectors in their journey to achieve climate goals. The Energy Efficiency Directive specifically targets climate-neutral data centers by 2030. This commitment aligns with SDG 9 and SDG 13, showing the EU’s determination to harness the potential of the ICT sector for positive environmental impact.

To prevent market dominance and promote fair competition, the EU is willing to enforce regulatory measures. The Digital Market Act and the Digital Services Act aim to break down monopolies or duopolies, provide opportunities for market entry, involve small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and measure the impact of their work. These initiatives align with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Lastly, detailed and independent measurements for green data centers are crucial. Efforts are already underway to ensure credible measurement through collaboration between the joint research center and the industry. However, there is a need for more comprehensive models that consider gross and net power consumption, as well as water consumption. This aligns with SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

In conclusion, the EU Commission’s focus on the green transition and the efforts to drive sustainable digital solutions through the European Green Digital Coalition demonstrate a commitment to address the environmental impact of the digital sector. By integrating digitalization into environmental and climate policies, collecting credible data, promoting carbon neutrality within the ICT sector, and enforcing regulatory measures, the EU aims to achieve its sustainability goals and contribute to the global climate action agenda.

Sarah Walkley

The impact of digital technology on small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) is not fully understood, leading to a misjudgment of the environmental consequences of their digital habits. Although SMEs’ digital footprint is relatively small compared to other sources of emissions, it is growing intensively, raising concerns about its long-term effects.

There is a significant need for education to help businesses understand the energy implications of their digital habits and choices. Many SMEs believe that because their operations are online, they do not need to develop a sustainability strategy. However, this overlooks the significant energy usage associated with digital technologies. Businesses should carefully consider the energy usage of their hosting providers and the efficiency of their code, as these factors can have a substantial impact on energy consumption.

Leveraging existing policies and connections can play a crucial role in promoting sustainable practices among SMEs. One effective strategy is encouraging marketers to clean up stored data, which is compliant with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), reducing data storage and energy usage. Additionally, exploring the co-benefits of existing policies and how they can be leveraged to drive sustainability efforts is important.

In conclusion, SMEs need a better understanding of the environmental implications of their digital habits. Education is vital in helping them make more sustainable choices and develop strategies that consider the energy impact of their digital operations. By leveraging existing policies and connections, businesses can further promote sustainable practices. It is important to address these issues promptly to mitigate the potential negative environmental effects associated with the growing digitization of SMEs.

Speakers