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Summary of GREEN DIGITAL DIPLOMACY

Core Content

The document "GREEN DIGITAL DIPLOMACY" explores the environmental impact of the digital sector and argues for the EU to take a leading role in promoting sustainable digital practices through foreign policy. It highlights that the digital transition, particularly in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, has significant environmental consequences, including high energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Main Points

• Environmental Impact of Digital Services: The ICT sector is responsible for a substantial share of global carbon emissions and electricity use. Data centres alone account for around 45% of the sector's emissions, with projections indicating a potential increase in demand and energy use due to emerging technologies.

• Green Digital Transition as a Strategic Opportunity: The EU is urged to adopt a 'green digital diplomacy' approach to influence global norms and promote sustainable digital practices. This strategy aligns with the EU's broader climate and digital transformation goals.

• The Myth of Data Intangibility: Despite the perception of data as a non-physical resource, its production, storage, and use have tangible environmental costs. The growth of internet users and new technologies is expected to increase these impacts significantly.

• EU's Leadership in Green Digital Initiatives: The EU has committed to becoming climate-neutral by 2050 and is positioning itself as a leader in promoting green digital solutions globally. It should leverage its multilateral engagement to drive international cooperation.

• Need for Shared Responsibility: Sustainability in the digital transition should be a shared responsibility among governments, businesses, and citizens. The EU should promote 'green by design' approaches and support consumer awareness and behavior change.

• International Collaboration: The EU should collaborate with global partners, including large tech companies and international organizations, to develop and implement sustainable digital practices.

Key Information

• Data Centre Emissions: Data centres generate up to 2% of global carbon emissions, comparable to the aviation sector. They account for about 45% of the ICT sector's emissions.

• Energy Consumption Trends: While internet traffic has increased by 419%, data centre energy demand has remained relatively stable, largely due to efficiency improvements. However, this trend may not be sustainable with the rise of IoT and edge computing.

• Global South Considerations: The EU should focus on the Global South, where internet penetration is growing rapidly but often relies on fossil fuels. This region will likely see an increase in data centre construction, which must be made sustainable.

• EU's Green Deal and Digital Strategy: The EU Green Deal includes a commitment to sustainable digital transformation. The European Commission is advocating for energy efficiency, circular economy, and climate neutrality in the digital sector.

• Sustainable Data Practices: The EU should promote globally sustainable data practices, including energy efficiency, renewable energy use, and lifecycle assessments of digital products.

Recommendations

1. International Multistakeholder Conference: The EU should convene an international conference on green digital transition, involving key players such as Mission Innovation and the Clean Energy Ministerial.

2. Collaboration with Private Sector and Civil Society: Closer cooperation with the private sector and civil society is essential to promote sustainable digital practices and foster innovation.

3. Green Data Coalition: Establish a green data coalition to build on existing government and industry initiatives, including those at the UN, WTO, OECD, and G7/G20.

4. Soft Law Mechanisms: Propose soft law mechanisms, such as a 'data emissions trading scheme', to raise awareness of data overconsumption and promote behavioral change.

Conclusion

The EU has a unique opportunity to lead in green digital diplomacy, aligning its digital and climate policies to drive global sustainability. This approach not only enhances the EU's normative leadership but also supports the resilience of partner countries and contributes to long-term security. The challenge lies in balancing the need for data availability with environmental responsibility, and ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation are shared equitably across regions.