Leaders at the COP29 climate summit announced the launch of the Green Digital Action Declaration, strengthening commitment to utilising digital technology for climate action, incorporating climate resilience into infrastructure and reducing the environmental impact of digital solutions.

Emerging technologies can potentially support countries in delivering their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Early warning systems that can combat natural disasters, optimising energy grids, and digital agricultural solutions are just a few possibilities. 

In particular, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a valuable tool for climate management and adaptation plans, but the significant rise in energy consumption at data centres poses a massive challenge. Focusing on AI efficiency and increasing the connection with clean energy sources is a top priority. Actively concerted efforts from all stakeholders are needed to ensure digital solutions contribute to climate action rather than being a hindrance.

This week, the COP29 representatives will host the first themed day at the climate summit to address digitalisation. It will involve a high-level meeting on digitalisation, ensuring the public sector takes a leading role in new technologies and their influence on climate action. 

The COP29 leaders are also due to launch the COP29 Green Digital Action Declaration, committed to leveraging digital tools for climate action, connecting climate resilience to digital infrastructure and limiting the environmental impacts of digital technologies.

The Declaration emphasises increasing access to climate-conscious technologies, ensuring digital solutions are more accessible, particularly to developing nations. At the recent Sustainable Innovation Forum, experts explored revolutionary technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) and their influence on benefitting our world. Following this forum, the Agri-Foods Systems Summit emphasised how progressive technologies are transforming farming methods, enhancing resource usage and strengthening supply chain transparency. Several reputable speakers delivered insights on how agri-food innovations can enable meaningful climate action. 

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