Digital technologies fuel climate crisis

While digitalisation comes with many economic benefits, its effect on the environment is often overlooked.

But the rapidly growing digital ecosystem is exacting a heavy toll on the planet, warned Gerry McGovern, author of the book “World Wide Waste”, on April 26 during a session of UNCTAD’s eCommerce Week 2022.

“We are killing the planet through the use of technology,”  McGovern said.

He cited the 120 trillion spam emails sent every year, creating 36 million tons of CO2 emissions. About 3.6 billion trees would need to be planted every year to offset the pollution. -UNCTAD