Digital Economy Report 2024 - Shaping an Environmentally Sustainable and Inclusive Digital Future

This report highlights the environmental challenges posed by digital technology and infrastructure, which rely heavily on raw materials and contribute to significant energy and water use. While developing countries face the highest environmental costs, they benefit the least from digitalization, often exporting low-value raw materials and importing high-value devices, leading to increased digital waste. The report calls for bold actions to shift towards a circular digital economy, emphasizing the importance of durable product design, responsible consumption, and sustainable business models to mitigate these impacts.