欧洲安全研究所-绿色数字外交：欧盟是时候发挥领导作用了（英）-2021.9-10页_1mb

Summary of "GREEN DIGITAL DIPLOMACY"

Core Content

The document "Green Digital Diplomacy" explores the environmental impact of the digital sector, particularly data centres and information and communication technologies (ICTs), and argues that the EU should lead in promoting sustainable digital practices as part of its foreign policy. It highlights the growing importance of digital infrastructure in the global economy and its significant contribution to carbon emissions and energy consumption.

Main Points

• Environmental Impact of Digital Transition: The digital sector, especially data centres, is a major contributor to global carbon emissions and energy use. By 2025, it is projected to account for up to 5.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making it one of the largest polluters if considered as a country.

• Myth of Data Intangibility: Despite the perception of data as intangible, its production, storage, and use have real environmental consequences. The growth of the data economy, driven by increasing internet usage and new technologies, is expected to significantly raise energy demands.

• EU's Role in Green Digital Diplomacy: The EU is encouraged to lead in promoting green digital solutions globally, integrating sustainability into its digital and climate policies. This includes addressing the environmental impact of digital initiatives in partner countries and strengthening multilateral cooperation.

• Strategic Opportunity: Green digital diplomacy is a strategic opportunity for the EU to influence global norms and policies in the digital transition, while also enhancing the resilience of partner countries and supporting its own security.

• Shared Responsibility: Sustainability should be a shared responsibility among governments, citizens, and the private sector. The EU should promote 'green by design' approaches and encourage more sober digital lifestyles.

• Need for Global Coordination: The EU should work with other global actors to coordinate efforts in reducing the environmental impact of digital technologies. This includes supporting multilateral frameworks like the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement.

Key Recommendations

• Convene an International Conference: The EU should host an international multistakeholder conference on green digital transition, involving key players such as Mission Innovation and the Clean Energy Ministerial.

• Strengthen Partnerships with the Private Sector: The EU should foster closer cooperation with tech companies and civil society to drive sustainable practices and promote green solutions.

• Establish a Green Data Coalition: The EU should build a coalition for green data, drawing on existing initiatives at the UN, WTO, OECD, and G7/G20 to promote sustainability in the digital sector.

• Propose Soft Law Mechanisms: The EU could introduce soft law approaches, such as a 'data emissions trading scheme', to raise awareness of data overconsumption and encourage sustainable digital habits.

Critical Considerations

• Focus on Global South: The EU should prioritize engagement with the Global South, where the majority of the online population will grow in the coming years. These regions are also more vulnerable to climate change, making a green digital transition essential for their societal resilience.

• Digital Inequality: The document highlights the disparity in digital consumption between high-income and low-income countries. It suggests that the EU should address this imbalance through awareness campaigns and sustainable practices.

• Need for Sustainable Infrastructure: The EU should ensure that its digital infrastructure, including data centres and telecommunications, becomes more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, aiming for climate neutrality by 2030.

• Multilateral Trade Rules: Adapting global trade rules to reflect the environmental impact of digital technologies will be crucial for supporting a sustainable and resilient global society.

Conclusion

Green digital diplomacy offers the EU a unique opportunity to lead in shaping global norms and policies related to the digital transition. It requires a comprehensive approach that includes regulatory, technical, and behavioral changes, and emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and shared responsibility in achieving a sustainable digital future.