Shaping sustainable digitisation : a discussion paper from the German Environment Agency / published by: The German Environment Agency ; editorial team: Sylvia Veenhoff, Matthias Koller, Kora Kristof, Evelyn Hagenah

Abstract

Digitisation is not only transforming our society it is also having an impact on the environment: On the one hand, digitisation can improve the state of the environment for example through digitally optimised production processes. On the other hand, negative environmental rebound effects can arise, like a higher demand for internet-enabled products from which an increase in usage of resources and energy during production processes results. With this impulse paper, ⁠UBA⁠ shows where digitisation can create opportunities and challenges for environmental policy. In doing so, UBA aims to help shape digitisation in line with the guiding principle of sustainability.