Islamabad:In a recent report released by the United Nations agency UNCTAD, alarming statistics have surfaced regarding the environmental toll of digital technologies. The report reveals that the production of a 2-kilogram computer requires 800 kilograms of raw materials, underscoring the significant resource consumption in tech manufacturing.
Moreover, the energy demands for activities like Bitcoin data mining have surged to 121 terawatts annually, exceeding the annual energy consumption of smaller nations. This rapid growth in digital commerce and cryptocurrency technologies has led to a substantial increase in global energy consumption, raising concerns about sustainability.
Secretary-General Rebecca Greenspan of UNCTAD emphasized the urgent need to address the negative environmental impacts associated with the rapid expansion of digital economies. She stressed the importance of investing in renewable energy and slowing down the pace of technological advancement to mitigate these effects.
The report also highlights disparities in the benefits of digitalization, pointing out that while advanced economies generate significant digital waste annually, less developed countries contribute minimally. It calls for stringent regulations and policies to manage digital waste effectively and reduce environmental degradation.
Looking ahead, the UNCTAD report recommends international cooperation to promote sustainable digital development, urging countries to adopt circular economy principles and invest in technologies that utilize renewable energy sources effectively.
