COP29 Highlights AI and Digital Tech’s Role in Climate Action

At COP29 in Baku, leaders in technology and the environment endorsed the COP29 Declaration on Green Digital Action, emphasizing the role of digital technologies and AI in climate action, the UN website reported.

This historic declaration, supported by over 1,000 stakeholders, aims to leverage digital innovations to mitigate climate change while addressing the emissions from tech manufacturing and the growing issue of e-waste.

The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) highlighted that digital tools are essential for climate monitoring and adaptation. AI can optimize energy consumption in data centers, yet the increasing reliance on digital services raises energy demands and greenhouse gas emissions.

ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin called for a balanced approach, urging stakeholders to reduce the environmental footprint of digital technologies while harnessing their potential to combat the climate crisis. The declaration aims to drive sustainable digital practices leading up to COP30, ensuring a greener future for generations to come.