photo: news.un.org
Washington/UNS - It takes 800 kilograms of raw materials to produce a two-kilogram computer, while mining bitcoins required 121 terawatts of energy last year, more than a small country uses. These figures are contained in a new report on the digital economy released today by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
The report highlights that while digitalisation is driving global economic growth and offering unique opportunities for developing countries, its environmental impacts are becoming increasingly serious.
"For example, the energy consumption of bitcoin mining increased 34 times between 2015 and 2020, reaching approximately 121 terawatt hours. The energy consumption of bitcoin mining is higher than Belgium's or Finland's consumption per year," UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan told reporters in Geneva.
Mineral raw materials
Developing countries feel the negative impacts of digitalisation more than others, both economically and environmentally. However, they have the potential to use the global digital transition to promote development.
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Developing countries have concentrated supplies of the raw materials needed for high technology. According to the World Bank, demand for minerals such as graphite, lithium and cobalt could increase by 500 % by 2050. This represents a development opportunity for resource-rich countries if they can use the proceeds efficiently and diversify their economies.
Impact on the environment
The significant environmental impact of the information and communication technology (ICT) sector covers the entire production cycle, from the extraction and processing of raw materials to their use and disposal. All these processes require huge amounts of minerals, energy and water, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and pollution.
"Google said that in 2022, the total water consumption in its data centers and offices was 5.6 billion gallons (approximately 21.2 million cubic meters). Microsoft reported water consumption of 6.4 million cubic meters for the same year," Greenspan said, adding that water consumption by these facilities has recently caused tensions in local communities in several countries.
According to UNCTAD, emissions from the ICT sector in 2020 are estimated at 0.69 to 1.6 gigatonnes, representing 1.5 to 3.2 % of global greenhouse gas emissions. This figure is expected to grow as the digital economy develops.
Artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies
The authors of the report pay special attention to the development of artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency mining. For example, global energy consumption for bitcoin mining increased approximately 34 times between 2015 and 2023, reaching approximately 121 terawatt hours. The energy consumption of 13 major data center operators more than doubled between 2018 and 2022.
With the growth of online trading, the volume of digital waste has also increased sharply. Between 2010 and 2022, it increased by 30 %, reaching 10.5 million tonnes globally. The report states that developed countries produce 3.25 kilograms of digital waste per person, while developing countries produce less than one kilogram and LDCs only 0.21 kilograms, another indicator of the uneven distribution of benefits.
Sustainable digitalisation
UNCTAD calls on the international community to promote a circular digital economy, minimize environmental impact and work to bridge the digital divide.
The report highlights the need to integrate digital and environmental policies, as well as measures to ensure a fair and responsible digital economy. The aim of this approach is to enable countries to seize the opportunities offered by the digital economy, while protecting the interests and well-being of current and future generations.
news.un.org/gnews.cz-roz-07
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