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Paved with good intentions: From digitalization to carbon neutrality.
Beniamino Callegari1, Bisrat A Misganaw2, Mehdi Bagherzadeh2
1School of Economics, Innovation and Technology, Kristiania University College, Oslo, Norway.
Journal of Environmental Management
|October 19, 2024
Summary
Digitalization alone does not guarantee carbon neutrality. Essential supporting conditions are required for digitalization to drive sustainable outcomes and achieve climate goals.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Economics
- Sustainability Science
- Digital Transformation
Background:
- Digitalization is widely promoted as a key strategy for achieving carbon neutrality.
- However, the direct impact of digitalization on carbon emission reduction remains debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the conditions under which digitalization can contribute to carbon neutrality.
- To analyze the limitations of digitalization in achieving environmental sustainability.
Main Methods:
- Application of the Georgescu-Roegen/Daly ecological production function.
- Theoretical analysis of digitalization's impact on dematerialization, output expansion, and corporate governance.
Main Results:
- Digitalization does not automatically lead to dematerialization due to its focus on labor-saving and its material/energy-intensive infrastructure requirements.
- Digitalization tends to drive quantitative and qualitative output expansion rather than promoting sustainable alternatives.
- Digitalization alone does not inherently foster carbon-conscious corporate governance.
Conclusions:
- A systemic perspective is crucial for understanding the complex interplay between digitalization and carbon neutrality.
- Supporting conditions must be established to ensure digitalization contributes positively to climate goals.
- Rethinking the relationship between technology, economic growth, and environmental limits is necessary.
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