The production of one 2kg computer requires the extraction of a staggering 800kg of raw materials, which concerns environmentalists about the impact on our planet.
The rapid digitization of the world neatly weaves machine learning and artificial intelligence into our daily lives.
The UN Trade and Development (UNTD) has released a report on digital economies, highlighting the environmental consequences of our digital lifestyles.
The UNTD is an intergovernmental organization within the United Nations Secretariat that promotes developing countries’ interests in world trade.
The report warns: “The environmental impact of digitalization is a global issue, but its effects are not evenly distributed.”
Netherlands is leading e-commerce
The e-commerce industry has exploded, and the Netherlands has been the market leader for years. It is responsible for a large share of online shopping globally and is worth an estimated 35 billion euros.
Many internet users in Southern Europe are not yet using online shopping. Also in Italy, only one in ten people order parcels online.
There are warnings for a more responsible approach to digitalization. “At the same time, unregulated digitalization risks leaving people behind and exacerbating environmental and climate challenges,” says António Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations.
“We cannot address digitalization and environmental sustainability in silos,” he warns.
Australia’s role in digitalization
Lithium, along with a long list of other metals and minerals, is a crucial source of digitalization. It’s essential for a “shift towards a low-carbon economy.” There is a growing demand for these minerals and metals as the world tries to shift to low-carbon and digital technologies.
According to UNCTAD’s report, Australia and Chile combined represent 72% of the world’s lithium production. Lithium is an essential component for producing electric vehicles (EVs).
The global demand for lithium is increasing to match the targets of reducing climate change through the electrification of fleets.
Consulting firm McKinsey warned in 2023 that the global lithium supply won’t meet the projected demand for lithium-powered batteries by 2030.
Sustainability targets
Rebeca Grynspan, secretary-general of UNCTAD, says that as digitalization increases, the numbers will become more concerning.
“These figures are only set to rise, with the production of minerals essential for the digital transition, such as graphite, lithium, and cobalt.” The projected surge of 500% by 2050 aims to meet the growing demand for digital and low-carbon technologies.
China accounts for almost two-thirds of the world’s lithium processing, according to Reuters. On the other hand, if there is a geopolitical risk around it, it could halt the production of lithium and, consequently, ultimately EVs and sustainability.
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About the author
Mia is a multi-award-winning journalist. She has more than 14 years of experience in mainstream media. She's covered many historic moments that happened in Africa and internationally. She has a strong focus on human interest stories, to bring her readers and viewers closer to the topics at hand.
