Digitalization and Environmental Implications: A Systematic Literature Review of Impacts and Challenges

Sara Mascitti and Alessandro Sarra

L'industria, 2024, issue 4, 679-706

Abstract: In the context of climate change and digital transformation, this study systematically reviews the environmental impacts of digitalization, addressing its complexities and challenges. The review focuses on 50 papers published between 2018 and 2023, using bibliometric analysis and a hierarchical classification framework. Papers are classified into three macrogroups based on the environmental impacts of digitalization: positive, negative, and complex impacts, which are further divided into subcategories based on digital dimensions such as diffusion, technology adoption, and other factors.The results show that most studies report complex or context-dependent impacts, followed by studies that highlight positive impacts, while a smaller number identify negative impacts. Positive effects, including reduced CO2 and increased energy efficiency, are more pronounced in regions with advanced infrastructure, innovative capacity, and effective environmental policies. Negative impacts, on the other hand, are associated with increased energy consumption by ICT infrastructure, especially in contexts dependent on non-renewable energy sources. The studies that report complex impacts emphasize non-linear relationships and thresholds, where the environmental outcomes of digitalization depend on factors such as economic development, energy efficiency, and local policies. Overall, the review highlights the heterogeneous environmental impacts of digitalization, underscoring the importance of considering regional contexts, energy systems, and policy frameworks.

Keywords: Digitalization; Environmental Impacts; Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Energy Efficiency; Carbon Rebound Effect; Systematic Literature Review (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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