Baku, Azerbaijan – The annual climate summit known as COP29 has been marked by significant discussions about the role of digital technology in combating the climate crisis. Among the notable events was the first-ever Digitalization Day, held on November 16, conceptualized to push forward efforts on how digital technologies can effectively contribute to climate change mitigation. This innovative initiative aimed to unite various stakeholders to take action on the intertwining issues of technology and climate.
The centerpiece of this initiative was the high-level roundtable on Green Digital Action, organized by Azerbaijan's Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, along with the COP29 Presidency and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The roundtable aimed to catalyze awareness, discussions, and commitments around the challenges and opportunities presented by digitalization on the climate agenda.
Opening the event was Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Rashad Nabiyev, who highlighted the importance of digital technologies as pivotal forces for achieving the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, especially concerning climate adaptability and resilience. He pointed out how digital solutions are being effectively integrated across sectors to drive sustainability.
During his speech, Nabiyev emphasized Azerbaijan's strategic direction for green digital transformation, drawing on global experiences as models. The country has engaged in various initiatives, including the modernization of public transportation with electric and hybrid vehicles aimed at reducing urban pollution and emissions. This move also plays a part in the broader push for sustainable mobility through infrastructure improvements for electric buses and taxis.
Adding to the significance of the discussions, the ITU Secretary-General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, remarked on how the COP29 presidency's support was key to making Digitalization Day possible. She expressed hope for Green Digital Action to build momentum moving toward COP30, ensuring collective efforts to reduce digitalization's environmental footprint.
Moderated by Tomas Lamanauskas, the ITU's Deputy Secretary-General, the roundtable attracted ministers and high-ranking officials from various nations, along with representatives from the private sector and global partners. Conversations centered around how to weave digital innovation seamlessly with climate strategies, improve climate monitoring through digital tools, and leverage successful sustainability initiatives already underway.
Participants were alerted to the increasing energy demands associated with data processing and artificial intelligence, cautioning about its environmental impacts. Statistic estimates place the International Communications Technology (ICT) sector's contribution to global emissions between 1.5% and 4%, underlining the pressing necessity for sustainable practices within digital expansion.
Summarizing the roundtable's outcomes, parties involved collectively adopted the Declaration on Green Digital Action. The Declaration aimed to serve as both a guiding framework and commitment to several objectives, including:
- Utilizing digital tools to drive climate action
- Constructing sustainable digital infrastructures
- MitigATING the climate impacts caused by digitalization
- Fostering digital literacy and inclusion
- Encouraging data-driven decision-making
- Promoting sustainable innovation and consumer practices
- Facilitizing the exchange of best practices among stakeholders
Overall, the signing of the Declaration showcased endorsements from over 1,000 entities, including governments, corporations, and civil society organizations. This overwhelming support reflects the shared recognition of the need for cooperation to ramp up climate action and sustainable practices, combating the adverse effects stemming from rapid digital growth.
Through initiatives like the Green Digital Action at COP29, stakeholders are urged not only to recognize the potential of digital technologies within climate strategies but also to act responsibly, ensuring these advancements do not come at the cost of environmental degradation. The thoughts emanated from various discussions articulate a sincere hope for collective action toward aligning digital expansion with rigorous sustainability goals and enhancing climate resilience across the globe.
