Digital technologies can be an important tool in the fight against climate change. Baku adopted a declaration on the use of digital technologies to combat climate change Climate and environment
At the UN Climate Conference in Baku, COP29, a declaration was adopted in which countries, companies and non-profits pledged to use digital technologies to accelerate action on climate change while reducing carbon emissions, combating pollution from technological production and tackling the problem of e-waste.
The Declaration was adopted on the Digital Day, which was held within the framework of the COP for the first time in history. The document received the support of more than 1,000 governments, companies, civil society organizations, international and regional organizations and other stakeholders.
The Digital Day was set aside to discuss the role of digital technologies in combating climate change. The sixth day of the conference brought together representatives of international organizations, governments and businesses for discussions on the topic of a “green” digital transition.
One of the key events was a high-level round table on the “green” digital action program. The event featured speeches by the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Doreen Bogdan-Martin, the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Inger Andersen and the Minister of Digital Development of Azerbaijan Rashad Nabiyev.
Tech companies are among the largest buyers of renewable energy, and some have already switched to it entirely
In her speech, the ITU Secretary-General emphasized the inextricable link between digital transformation and sustainable development: “Technology companies are among the largest buyers of renewable energy, and some have already switched entirely to it. Sustainable digital transformation must be a strategic priority for all countries.”
UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen drew attention to the importance of integrating digital technologies to achieve climate goals: “We must use artificial intelligence and digital solutions in greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies. These tools can make a significant contribution to keeping global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.”
Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development Rashad Nabiyev added that data centers and digital infrastructure require optimization to reduce energy consumption. He noted that artificial intelligence has the potential to reduce up to 4 percent of global emissions, emphasizing the importance of using clean technologies.
According to Doreen Bogdan-Martin, the declaration on digital technologies adopted at COP29 emphasizes that sustainability must be taken into account from the very beginning of digital transformation. Bogdan-Martin also emphasized the importance of international cooperation in developing and implementing such initiatives.