At COP29’s Digitalisation Day, world leaders backed the Early Warnings For All initiative, emphasising the need for advanced technologies to deliver precise, accessible alerts to communities facing extreme weather events. The COP29 Declaration on Green Digital Action spotlighted the transformative power of digital technologies in addressing climate change. From artificial intelligence (AI) to big data and advanced communication systems, these tools were lauded for their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate adaptation efforts. The declaration underscored the urgency of leveraging these innovations to strengthen early warning systems, improve disaster preparedness, and drive sustainable solutions for a climate-resilient future—all while addressing the environmental footprint of digital infrastructure.
The event’s highlight, hosted by the COP29 Presidency on Science, Technology, and Innovation/Digitalization Day, emphasised the critical role of accurate and accessible early warning systems. According to Umayra Taghiyeva, Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan, a country grappling with 109 floods this year alone, early warning services should be based on, and guided by, the best available science and technologies. Early warnings, she noted, have significantly reduced ambulance calls during heatwaves, showcasing their tangible impact on public safety.
The Urgency of Early Warnings
A 24-hour advance warning can reduce the damage from storms and heatwaves by up to 30%, according to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and devastating. Experts at COP29 stressed that early warning systems are no longer a luxury but a necessity.
The Early Warnings for All initiative, led by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), ITU, WMO, and the IFRC, is a global call to action. Each organisation is spearheading critical pillars—ranging from disaster risk knowledge to preparedness and response—ensuring a coordinated and impactful implementation.
“Even in the era of AI and Machine Learning, the human factor remains essential,” said Jagan Chapagain, Secretary-General of the IFRC. “From satellites to sandbags, communities on the ground make these systems work. Our mission is to connect global resources with local action so every community, no matter how remote, is prepared for what lies ahead.”
Addressing the Digital Sector’s Climate Footprint
While digital technologies are pivotal for climate action, their growing energy demands pose significant challenges. Data centers, AI servers, and their cooling systems consume enormous amounts of electricity and water, contributing to GHG emissions. The COP29 declaration acknowledged these concerns, urging for sustainable solutions such as transitioning to clean energy, improving e-waste management, and fostering energy-efficient practices.
“This milestone moment for Green Digital Action at COP29 must propel us toward a sustainable digital future,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin.
A Roadmap for a Green Digital Future
The declaration set forth an ambitious framework to integrate digital sustainability into national climate strategies. Priorities include promoting digital literacy, supporting SMEs in developing eco-friendly technologies, and driving investments in resilient digital infrastructure. By fostering public-private collaboration and ensuring inclusive access to digital innovations, COP29 laid the foundation for global progress toward climate goals.
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