- COP29 saw a global pledge to accelerate climate action in the tech industry through the Green Digital Action declaration.
- Endorsed by 75 countries and 1,170 entities, the declaration outlines goals to reduce emissions and promote sustainable digital solutions.
What happened
At COP29, a global coalition of governments, companies, and digital organizations made a unified commitment to accelerate climate action within the tech industry. The COP29 Declaration on Green Digital Action highlights the dual role of technology. On one hand, it is a significant contributor to global energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. On the other hand, it is a critical tool for driving sustainable development.
The declaration was endorsed by 75 countries and over 1,170 non-state entities, including businesses, civil society, and international organizations. It sets out eight key objectives aimed at promoting green digital solutions, reducing emissions, and building climate-resilient digital infrastructure.
Among these objectives are promoting sustainable tech for climate action, enhancing digital literacy and inclusion, and encouraging sustainable consumer practices. The initiative, led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), builds on previous efforts like the Green Digital Action programme, launched in 2023, to guide the industry toward net-zero emissions.
The declaration also calls for the integration of digital sustainability into national climate strategies, with strong emphasis on collaboration between governments, the private sector, and other stakeholders.
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Why it is important
The COP29 pledge to accelerate climate action in the tech industry is crucial for reducing global emissions. Technology plays a dual role—it contributes significantly to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, but it can also drive sustainable development. The COP29 Declaration on Green Digital Action recognises this and sets clear goals to address both aspects.
Endorsed by 75 countries and over 1,170 organisations, the declaration calls for a unified approach to promote green digital solutions and climate-resilient infrastructure. Key objectives include reducing emissions, enhancing digital literacy, and encouraging sustainable consumer practices. By integrating digital sustainability into national climate strategies, the declaration fosters greater collaboration across sectors.
This commitment highlights the importance of harnessing technology for climate action. With growing pressure to meet global climate targets, the need for innovation in the tech industry is more urgent than ever. It’s crucial for the sector to develop solutions that support sustainability and mitigate environmental impacts.
