UNCTAD warns of the growing environmental impact of digital technologies, citing a 34-fold rise in Bitcoin mining energy consumption.

UN Trade Agency warns that the rise of digital technologies, such as AI and cryptocurrency, significantly increases energy consumption, with Bitcoin mining's energy consumption rising 34-fold between 2015 and 2020. The digital economy's environmental impact, including water and energy consumption, is becoming increasingly severe. UNCTAD calls for sustainable strategies and a shift towards circularity to mitigate the environmental impact, particularly in developing countries.

July 10, 2024
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