Digitalization has taken center stage at COP29, held in Baku, Azerbaijan. The conference has dedicated a special day to digital transformation, reflecting its growing importance in climate action.
The inclusion of digitalization in COP29’s climate agenda aims to encourage businesses and sectors to adopt sustainable digital practices. This transition is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance climate adaptation capacities, and support the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
COP29 Declaration on Green Digital Action
On the designated technology and digitalization day, COP29 unveiled the “COP29 Declaration on Green Digital Action.” The declaration seeks to accelerate digital transformation, improve energy efficiency, and promote access to digitalization, especially in developing countries. These efforts are anticipated to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Commenting on this milestone, COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev said, “The first-ever Digitalisation Day at COP29 marks a new chapter in climate action, embedding digital technology as a transformative tool. With the launch of the COP29 Declaration on Green Digital Action, we have a unique opportunity to combat the climate crisis while urging the digital industry to take responsibility for its environmental footprint. From artificial intelligence in climate modeling to optimizing renewable energy systems, digital advancements are key to accelerating sustainable solutions on a global scale."
Technology’s Role in Supporting Developing Nations
Technology has emerged as a critical solution to climate challenges. Previous COP summits have underscored the need to enhance capacity-building and facilitate technology transfer to developing and least-developed countries.
At COP29, the Declaration on Green Digital Action was launched to accelerate and implement sustainable digitalization. Preparations for this declaration began as early as September, with the final draft released in October, alongside other declarations aimed at increasing stakeholder commitment and integrating technology into climate action.
Mitigation Efforts
Digital technologies can play a significant role in climate mitigation. When applied in high-emission sectors such as energy, materials, and transportation, these technologies could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20% by 2050, helping to mitigate climate change impacts.
Adaptation Technologies
Digital tools also provide critical support for climate adaptation. These include early warning systems and predictive devices that manage processes to minimize losses and enhance resilience against climate-induced disasters.
Commitment to Green Digital Transformation
The COP29 Declaration on Green Digital Action was endorsed by a diverse array of participants, including representatives from international energy agencies, global tech leaders, governments, and civil society organizations. This broad support underscores the shared commitment to achieving digital transformation in a sustainable way.
However, digital solutions themselves contribute to global emissions, accounting for an estimated 1.4–4% of total global emissions. Therefore, the declaration emphasizes the need for “green digital transformation,” which involves adopting low-emission practices in the development and use of technology, such as utilizing renewable energy and improving energy efficiency.
The ultimate goal is a sustainable digital transformation that aligns with the objectives of the Paris Agreement, reducing emissions and limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
