The carbon footprint of the digital sector

4.3.2020

Question for written answer E-001324/2020
to the Commission
Rule 138
Manuel Bompard (GUE/NGL)

The Commission has set itself a goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. The digital sector has a vital role to play in achieving this objective.

According to a report drawn up by GreenIT, a consultancy, each year the digital sector uses around 6 800 TWh of primary energy and 7.8 million cubic metres of fresh water, and emits around 1.4 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas [1] .

If the digital sector were a country, it would be the fifth-largest emitter of carbon dioxide in the world, accounting for an estimated 3.8% of all emissions. That figure is higher than Japan’s, and four times higher than that of France.

What steps is the Commission intending to take to reduce the carbon footprint of the digital sector? How is it intending to ensure that the tech giants contribute financially to the efforts that are needed, so that a just transition can take place?

• [1] GreenIT, The environmental footprint of the digital world, September 2019.