At COP29 in Baku, global leaders in technology and environmental policy signed a pivotal declaration on Saturday, emphasizing the dual role of digital technologies in addressing climate change while also tackling the emissions and waste associated with the tech sector.
The COP29 Declaration on Green Digital Action, endorsed by over 1,000 governments, corporations, and civil society organizations, marks a significant step toward harnessing digital tools for climate solutions.
Organized by the UN International Telecommunications Union (ITU) as part of the first-ever ‘Digitalisation Day’ at a UN climate conference, the declaration focuses on optimizing the climate benefits of digital innovation while addressing its environmental footprint.
ITU underscored how technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and big data can transform energy efficiency, improve climate monitoring, and enhance early warning systems to safeguard communities.
However, the energy demands of digital technologies pose challenges. Data centers, integral to the digital infrastructure, consume vast amounts of electricity and water, with additional energy required to maintain optimal cooling. As the proliferation of AI and digital tools accelerates, so does the need for sustainable solutions within the tech industry.
Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General, hailed the declaration as a milestone, urging collective action. “This milestone moment for Green Digital Action at COP29 should propel us forward with the shared belief that we can and must reduce the environmental footprint of digital technologies while leveraging their undeniable potential to tackle the climate crisis,” she said.
The declaration’s adoption is expected to build momentum ahead of COP30, with the aim of shaping a sustainable digital future that integrates innovation and environmental responsibility.
Article Source:
Press Release/Material by UN
Featured image credit: Freepik
