Google and Deloitte publish new Digital Sprinters sustainability report

We believe that fighting climate change is an important shared challenge, and for three decades we have been using technology to accelerate meaningful action. While we recognize that digital technology alone will not solve the climate crisis, we already recognize the enormous potential it holds to accelerate action on sustainability and climate, while enhancing economic growth.

We are pleased to announce that we are publishing the Digital Sprinters sustainability report, led by Deloitte and commissioned by Google. A new report examines how digital solutions such as artificial intelligence can help us reduce global emissions to slow the rate of climate change, and help people adapt to a changing planet. The report examines a wide range of digital technologies, from the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence to cloud platforms and remote satellite measurements. We explore how digital tools can accelerate decarbonization in various high-emitting sectors and ensure climate resilience, particularly in emerging and developing markets.

The report highlights the key opportunities for digital technologies to reduce emissions by 2030 through measures such as AI-based network optimization and route planning. It is also examining ways to improve adaptation and resilience through early warning systems and resilient infrastructure. With more than 3.6 billion people living in areas highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, effective emergency response and resilient infrastructure are becoming essential pillars of policymaking. Digital tools also enable accurate forecasting of climate impacts through data collection and analysis, forming the basis for planning and response strategies. AI and IoT technologies expand our knowledge base and improve decision-making, automation and innovation.

Public policy plays a key role in enabling the implementation of these solutions.

At Google, we implemented the Digital Sprinters platform to help governments in emerging markets shape digital transformation policies, focusing on four strategic areas: infrastructure, people, enabling policies and technological innovation. The new report uses this perspective to make policy recommendations to accelerate action on climate change, including:

• Infrastructure: Policy measures that expand internet access and ensure data availability can help create an environment where digital solutions can reach people, while public support for the deployment of satellites and the Internet of Things can improve the collection of data needed to develop effective climate solutions.
• People: advancing digital education can help create a workforce well-versed in both climate science and digital technology.
• Technological innovations: Creating innovation hubs to incubate new ideas, supporting early-stage digital businesses, and implementing digital climate solutions in municipalities can help improve government initiatives.
• Enabling policies: Standards that establish a framework for climate-related information – for example how we label the environmental footprint of products – can help provide consumers with the information they need to make sustainable decisions. Digital tools can help implement sustainability regulations, support the sustainable use of resources and support well-functioning climate markets

As we look to the future, we’ve never been more excited about the potential of digital solutions to accelerate climate action. You can read more in our latest report.