Abstract
As part of the global push for net zero emissions, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become the strategic enabler for a sustained economic growth. ICT is known as driver for energy efficiency and clean energy innovation, as well as support to low carbon transitions across sectors, but there is a lack of knowledge of its dual impact, both from the role as an agent of decarbonization and as a cause of energy demand. To address this knowledge gap, this study reviews the recent empirical data, policy frameworks and theoretical models in order to understand ICT’s contribution towards realization of net zero strategies in the global context. It is found that emissions intensity reduction and productivity gains in energy, transport and industrial sectors are highly dependent on ICT when coupled with renewable energy and in combination with targeted policy. Nevertheless, there are challenges of disparities in digital infrastructure and ICT themselves concerns of carbon footprint, which require coordinated responses. This brings up the need to engage with policy development related to digital inclusion, do lifecycle assessments of ICT systems independently from the technologies they use, and continue with interdisciplinary research for extracting ICT’s transformative potential in regard to climate resilient growth.