Digital Infrastructure Environmental Footprint

Energy, Emissions, E-Waste & Critical Minerals (2020-2030)

ICT Electricity Use & Projections

ICT Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Data Center Energy Demand Growth

Critical Mineral Demand Surge (2023-2030)

🌍 The Dual Narrative: Digital Solution or Environmental Threat?

Current impact: 7% global electricity, 2.1-3.9% GHG emissions, 62M tons e-waste annually • Yet digital tools enable smart grids, precision agriculture, remote work • The paradox: scaling AI to solve climate change increases energy demand exponentially

Global Electricity Used by ICT (2023)

2.1-3.9%

Global GHG Emissions from ICT

62M

Tons of E-Waste Annually (2024)

5×

Critical Mineral Demand Growth by 2030

415 TWh

Data Center Energy Use (2024, ~1.5% global)

945 TWh

Projected Data Center Use (2030, ~3% global)