Introduction
On International Environment Day (June 5), digital technologies have emerged as a strategic ally in reducing carbon footprints and advancing towards the goal of zero emissions.
Traditional Sectors vs. Digital Contributions
Despite being significant contributors, the digital sector’s emissions are still not leading. In 2022, telecommunications contributed around 133 million tons (Mt) of CO₂, equivalent to 0.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).
Global Emission Trends
According to 2023 data, the energy sector led with 15.1 giga tonnes of CO₂ emissions, followed by transportation (8.4) and agriculture (8.3). The manufacturing industry, heavily reliant on steel and cement, accounted for 20.3% of global emissions, as reported by the European Union.
- Steel Production: Responsible for 7-9% of global CO₂ emissions, producing approximately 1.8 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne of steel manufactured.
- Coal Usage: The primary source of emissions, accounting for 41.1% in 2023.
- Cement Production: Increased by 6.5% compared to 2022.
Rising Emissions in the Digital Sector
Although not leading, digital emissions are significant and growing. The Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector generates between 1.8% to 2.8% of the global carbon footprint, comparable to the aviation sector.
- Telecommunication Networks: Accounted for 133 MtCO₂ in 2022, equivalent to 0.4% of global emissions, consuming 258 TWh (1% of total global electricity use).
- AI Growth: The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the tech sector has driven a 12% annual emissions growth, with companies like Amazon, Meta, Google, and Microsoft increasing their operational emissions by 150% since 2020.
Digital Solutions for Carbon-Intensive Sectors
Digitalization offers solutions to reduce emissions in carbon-intensive sectors through internet platforms, telecommuting, e-commerce, and smart resource management.
- Sensor and Big Data Usage: Optimize logistics in transportation by reducing trips and idle times.
- Data Centers: Migrating to cleaner energy sources and more efficient cooling systems to minimize their environmental impact.
Telecom Industry Progress
Since 2015, telecommunication companies have achieved emission reductions driven by fiber-optic deployments and 5G network rollouts, aiming to cut energy costs with more efficient technologies.
Internet Platforms’ Efficiency for Other Sectors
Internet platforms can translate their scale into efficiency for other sectors, such as e-commerce reducing the need for physical stores and physical displacements. Streaming services (video, music) replace physical media and waste generation.
- Streaming Energy Cost: In 2020, ICTs emitted between 0.7 and 1.6 GtCO₂ annually, largely due to data centers.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are the main contributors to global emissions? The energy sector, transportation, agriculture, and the manufacturing industry (steel and cement) are significant contributors.
- How do digital technologies impact emissions? Although not leading, the digital sector’s emissions are growing and significant. However, it also offers solutions to reduce carbon footprints in other sectors.
- What can users do to support a greener digital future? Users can contribute by extending device lifespans, choosing clean energy for homes, and rationalizing internet and AI model usage.
Conclusion
Digital technologies play a dual role: generating operational emissions from network and data center energy consumption while enabling the decarbonization of other industries’ activities. As data-driven services expand, telecom operators must invest in green infrastructure, migrate to clean energy sources, and optimize networks to reduce their footprint and costs.
