Monday, January 13, 2025
ADEME: Digital technology and the environment, between opportunities and sustainability
January 9, 2025 – ADEME (the French Agency for Ecological Transition) unveils its latest report on digital technology and the environment, highlighting both the benefits and the growing environmental impacts of this sector. With a carbon footprint of 29.5 Mt CO2 eq and electricity consumption representing 11% of the national total, digital technology demands concrete actions to limit its environmental effects. The study highlights digital solutions beneficial to the ecological transition (such as sharing or reuse via platforms) but reminds us that their impact is not always greater than their environmental costs. At the same time, the rise of generative AI raises major concerns regarding energy consumption and the mineral resources required. For a more responsible digital world, ADEME proposes avenues for action: extending the lifespan of equipment, encouraging eco-design, moderating our usage, and promoting more resource-efficient AI. Furthermore, an awareness campaign, "Alt IMPACT," has been launched to inform citizens about the actions they can take and encourage them to limit their digital footprint. [cta] For more information: altimpact.fr