Towards a Green and Digital Future
Study outlining the key requirements for a successful twin green and digital transition in the European Union
Description
The European “Towards a Green and Digital Future” study analyses how current and future digital technologies could become key enablers in support of the twin (green and digital) transition by 2050, the year in which the European Union aims to have become climate neutral. The study is based on a review of literature and expert consultations, validated by 11 workshops with over 200 participants, taking a close look at five economic sectors that are among the highest greenhouse gas emitters in the EU: agriculture, building and construction, energy, energy-intensive industries, and transport and mobility. Several case studies have been selected that present a variety of different possible green digital solutions, with descriptions of how their successful implementation by 2050 could support the green transition. The study outlines the key requirements for the successful management of the twin transition and examines its tension points, such as how digital technologies may also bring additional environmental burdens, and how economic, social and political factors may impact the twin transition. The section on agriculture explores the use of technology for the environmental monitoring and tracking of biodiversity deficits, as well as of product residues within the circular economy. It is mentioned that digital technologies may also contribute to efficient systems management, and thus increase productivity through the more targeted application of feed, water, energy, fertilizers and pesticides. Additional areas in which digitalization can play an important role incşude farming, forestry, manufacturing, and the diverse services in rural areas outside those related to food, farming and tourism
Technology
The digital technologies described in the study categorized under five headings: 1) Monitoring and tracking, in relation to emissions, ecosystem statuses and material flows, referring to the use of smart sensors, data analytics and interoperable data in combination with digital infrastructure and AI solutions to facilitate evidence-based decisions-making and an enhanced understanding of the environmental challenges. 2) Simulation and Forecasting, making use of computer models to define energy saving solutions, as well as self-learning devices such as thermostats or digital twins for traffic management simulations; 3) Virtualization, through e-books, videoconferencing and extended reality technologies (such as augmented reality and metaverses) for the promotion of online services and activities. 4) System Management, describing how the adoption of AI technologies by European industries can improve production efficiency and reduce resource intensity. The integration of IoT and AI into urban systems can lead to the creation of innovative business models and services and better resource management. In the energy sector, smart grids support the optimization of capacities, the management of consumer usage, and the coordination of storage and changes in demand. Finally, data visualization supported by GIS and dashboards can improve the understanding and analysis of data. 5) Information and communication technologies, the use of labeling and smart packaging to communicate the environmental footprint and “full cost” of a product, and the use of digital platforms to balance product supply and demand. The section related to agriculture describes the use of digital sensors and Internet of Things applications to monitor the condition and health of agricultural lands or biodiversity in natural landscapes, while precision forestry and robotics allow for the monitoring and management of the health of forests, even in remote areas. Several technological applications are also described throughout the study in the “snapshots of the future” sections that describe possible future scenarios as examples of twin transition cases.
Target
The report aims to provide evidence-based scientific support to the European policy making process, in which policymakers and governing institutions are the main players in the green transition. The private sector can leverage the insights provided by the report to identify potential investments based on the technologies highlighted in the report, while academia and research institutions can benefit from the many case studies and the “snapshot of the future” scenarios, which can inspire future studies. Finally, civil society organizations and the public sector can use the findings to promote the green and digital transition in their partnerships and agreements.
Impact
The main impacts of the study include its promotion and anticipation of the required steps for a successful twin (green and digital) transition, mitigating climate change and environmental degradation, while reducing the European Union’s reliance on energy imports. Conversely, the digital transition holds the potential to reshape prevailing practices related to both the economy and society. While pinpointing promising technologies in various economic sectors, the report also proposes strategies that support and bring synergy to the green and digital transitions. It further details such challenges as the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic and their effects on the transitions, providing a comprehensive overview in support of the concurrent green and digital transitions as essential activities for the preservation of a livable planet and the harnessing of economic opportunities. The report presents information, considerations, case studies and examples of future scenarios in support of a sustainable digital and green transition.
Four Betters
Better life
Better production
Better environment
