The relationship between the green economy and digital economy is complex. Climate change, deforestation, and environmental damage are threatening the stability of our economies, food systems, and human life; without clear and decisive action across the board, harms may become irreversible. Technology solutions, such as cleantech and clean energy, play a key role in limiting such harms. At the same time, the digital economy is experiencing rapid growth, and with it the industry’s carbon emissions and material needs grow. While the digital economy is not a core driver of environmental damage, meeting key targets like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) Paris Agreement requires all industries to curb their environmental footprints. Embedding green economy practices that are low carbon, resource efficient, and socially inclusive is one way for the digital economy to balance growth needs without sacrificing environmental wellbeing.
