The Digital Economy Report 2024 underscores the urgent need for environmentally sustainable and inclusive digitalization strategies. Digital technology and infrastructure depend heavily on raw materials, and the production and disposal of more and more devices, along with growing water and energy needs are taking an increasing toll on the planet. For example, the production and use of digital devices, data centres and information and communications technology (ICT) networks account for an estimated 6% to 12% of global electricity use. Developing countries bear the brunt of the environmental costs of digitalization while reaping fewer benefits. They export low value-added raw materials and import high value-added devices, along with increasing digital waste. Geopolitical tensions over critical minerals, abundant in many of these countries, complicate the challenges. The report calls for bold action from policymakers, industry leaders and consumers. It urges a global shift towards a circular digital economy, focusing on circularity by design through durable products, responsible consumption, reuse and recycling, and sustainable business models -- [author website].
1. Digitalization and environmental sustainability -- 2. Digitalization trends and the material footprint -- 3. Measuring value in the digital economy -- 4. End of the cycle? Digitalization-related waste and the circular economy -- 5. E-commerce and environmental sustainability -- 6. ICT sector employment as a share of total employment, 2010–2017. Towards environmentally sustainable digitalization that works for inclusive development --

xx, 252 p. : charts, graphs, tables

At head of title: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, UNCTAD.

9789210031363
9789213589779 (e-ISBN)
2664-2255
2664-2263 (eISSN)