As the world confronts the escalating threat of climate change, a clearer understanding of various sectors' contributions to global carbon emissions is imperative.

Among these sectors, the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry stands out, not just for its significant role in global connectivity, but also for its substantial yet often overlooked share of emissions. According to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the ICT sector contributes between 1.7 per cent and 4.0 per cent of global carbon emissions, a figure that emphasizes its central role in the climate debate.

However, the sector’s environmental impact presents a paradox. While its carbon footprint is considerable, ICT companies are also some of the largest consumers of renewable energy. In 2021, around 60 per cent of all renewable power purchases were made by the ICT industry. Moreover, in 2022, six of the top ten corporate purchasers of renewable energy were tech firms. The rise of the digital economy, spurred by increasing global connectivity, is undoubtedly driving up energy consumption, yet the sector’s heavy reliance on renewable energy highlights its potential to spearhead climate solutions.

The growing digital footprint, however, comes with its challenges. The number of internet users globally increased by 17 per cent between 2020 and 2023, while broadband subscriptions rose by 14 per cent in the same period. Connected data centres, a crucial component of the digital infrastructure, surged by 72 per cent between 2018 and 2022. The demand for smartphones, tablets, and computers has resulted in user devices accounting for 40 per cent of the sector's carbon emissions. Data centres contribute 23 per cent, while fixed and mobile telecommunications networks are responsible for another 24 per cent. This rapid expansion of digital infrastructure is contributing to an increase in emissions, a trend that needs to be urgently........

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