What are your thoughts about the relationship between digital education and sustainability?
The Complex Relationship Between Digital Education and Sustainability
The intersection of digital education and sustainability is a critical discussion in today’s global landscape. While Selwyn calls for “digital degrowth” to promote a more humane and sustainable approach to digital technology, I argue that such a radical transformation is not yet feasible. Instead, we must address digital technology’s environmental impact while acknowledging its role in fostering equality and access to education, particularly in developing nations.
Environmental Consequences of Digital Technology
One of the primary concerns surrounding digital technology and sustainability is its environmental footprint. The widespread use of smartphones and other digital devices significantly contributes to carbon emissions and resource depletion. According to PriorData.com, approximately 4.88 billion people globally use smartphones, with around 7.21 billion devices in circulation. Each smartphone carries an average carbon footprint of 63 kg CO2e, roughly equivalent to driving a car for 155 miles (Carbon Trust, 2023). The manufacturing process requires at least 21 minerals, including rare earth elements, leading to deforestation, mining, and environmental degradation (Visual Capitalist, 2022).
Source: Visual Capitalist https://www.visualcapitalist.com/visualizing-the-critical-metals-in-a-smartphone/
The urgency of digital sustainability parallels the environmental challenges of past decades, such as the depletion of the ozone layer. The Montreal Protocol of 1987 successfully phased out ozone-depleting substances, proving that coordinated global efforts can achieve significant environmental milestones. However, applying this model to digital technology is complex. Unlike ozone-depleting chemicals, which had clear substitutes, reducing digital consumption poses significant socio-economic challenges, especially for developing nations striving for connectivity and digital inclusion.
The Tension Between Sustainability and Equality
A critical issue in the sustainability discourse is the tension between environmental responsibility and digital equity. The Global North, often at the forefront of sustainability advocacy, risks imposing constraints on the Global South, where digital expansion is a pathway to development. According to the World Bank, nearly 700 million people live in extreme poverty (on less than $2.15 per day), with 75% residing in Sub-Saharan Africa and conflict-affected regions (World Bank, 2023). For these populations, digital access is not a luxury but a necessity for economic and social progress.
The Role of Digital Education in Socioeconomic Development
Like it or not, digital technology plays a transformative role in:
- Education Equity: Digital education helps bridge the educational divide by providing remote learning opportunities. However, digital poverty exacerbates inequalities; students without internet access or devices struggle to keep pace with their peers.
- Employment Opportunities: As job markets become increasingly digital, individuals lacking digital literacy face exclusion from economic opportunities.
- Healthcare Access: Telehealth and digital health services are critical in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure. Digital exclusion limits access to these essential services.
- Social Inclusion: The digital world fosters connectivity and participation in global conversations. By 2030, the Metaverse market is expected to reach 2.6 billion users, with penetration rates increasing from 17% in 2025 to 40% by 2030 (LinkedIn, 2023). While some societies advance rapidly in digital transformation, others struggle with basic access, creating a widening digital divide.
The demand for sustainability should not come at the cost of digital inclusion for these communities. Instead of advocating for “digital degrowth,” the focus should be on ‘sustainable scaling’ —minimising environmental impact while maximising social and economic benefits.
Towards Sustainable Digital Practices
While the digital sector’s sustainability challenges are undeniable, solutions should focus on responsible innovation rather than radical reduction. Key strategies include:
- Eco-Friendly Device Manufacturing: Technology companies must prioritise sustainable production methods, reducing reliance on rare earth minerals and increasing device recyclability.
- Renewable Energy for Digital Infrastructure: Data centers and digital networks should transition to renewable energy sources to mitigate carbon footprints.
- Extended Product Lifecycles: Encouraging repairability and upgradability of devices can reduce electronic waste and lessen the demand for raw materials (see below for a great example by the French government)
- Ethical E-Waste Management: Improved recycling programmes and e-waste management in both developed and developing countries can prevent hazardous environmental damage.
- Equitable Access to Sustainable Tech: Policymakers should ensure that sustainability efforts do not disproportionately disadvantage low-income communities. Affordable, energy-efficient devices and subsidised internet access can promote digital equity while supporting sustainability.
France’s Approach: A Model for Digital Recycling
France has taken significant steps to address digital sustainability by implementing policies that hold manufacturers accountable for their products’ environmental impact. Since 2021, the country has mandated a Repairability Index for digital devices, including smartphones and laptops, providing consumers with a score (out of 10) on how easy a product is to repair. This transparency incentivises manufacturers to design more sustainable products and encourages consumers to make informed choices.
Additionally, France is introduced a Durability Index last year assessing products’ longevity, availability of spare parts, and software support. This initiative aligns with the European Union’s broader push toward a circular economy, emphasising responsible production and consumption (European Parliament, 2023). Such policies can serve as a blueprint for other nations aiming to balance technological advancement with environmental responsibility.
The answer lies in Sustainable Scaling
While digital technology presents environmental challenges, the notion of “digital degrowth” is neither realistic nor desirable in a world where digital access is vital for education, economic mobility, and social inclusion. Instead, we must pursue a balanced approach—one that fosters sustainable digital practices while ensuring equitable access to technology. The path forward requires collaboration between policymakers, tech companies, educators, and global communities to create a digital ecosystem that supports both planetary health and human development. The challenge is not simply reducing digital consumption but reshaping it in ways that are both environmentally responsible and socially inclusive, sustainable scaling.
References
- Carbon Trust. (2023). Smartphone carbon footprint analysis. Retrieved from www.carbontrust.com
- PriorData.com. (2023). Global smartphone statistics. Retrieved from www.priordata.com
- Visual Capitalist. (2022). Visualizing the critical metals in a smartphone. Retrieved from www.visualcapitalist.com
- World Bank. (2023). Global poverty statistics. Retrieved from www.worldbank.org
- LinkedIn. (2023). Explaining Industry Revolution 1.0-6.0. Retrieved from www.linkedin.com
- European Parliament. (2023). Sustainable digital policies in the EU. Retrieved from www.europarl.europa.eu
Hello Nishel
You have offered a clear and concise account of the complex relationship and tension between tech (and edtech), sustainability and equity. You have enriched this work by highlighting examples of top-down sustainable digital practices and a country specific example of France’ Approach to digital recycling. What would be the corresponding bottom-up approaches?
As you ably highlight… “the role of digital transformation for social economic development should be upheld,….. the demand for sustainability should not come at the cost of digital inclusion for these communities. Instead of advocating for “digital degrowth,” the focus should be on ‘sustainable scaling’ —minimising environmental impact while maximising social and economic benefits”.
I would like to add that systems thinking approaches that advance a wider actor network to address the tensions cautiously and responsibilising actors within the Edtech (Tech) Eco-system are equally worthwhile. The digital education agenda and sustainability need to be addressed by collective strategy and action, with both top-down and bottom-up approaches.
Related to my experience in the global south, and highlighting the literature, the use of technologies is motivated by directives of policy and strategy (Gallager, 2019), and of course institutional mandates, While I do agree with suggestions that… “instead of new devices and constant upgrades, digital education should prioritise local solutions of repair, reuse, and longevity”, including the legitimation of digital use and non-use as worthy alternatives for addressing Sustainable Development Goals”, the broader agenda for using digital technologies as levers for sectors and nations is worth while, but needs to be exercised with a sustainability focus.
Do keep sustainability in mind as we head into the discussions on futures approaches to digital education as it is a good frame for envisioning and defining possible futures with a sustainability focus.
I find your blogs quite exemplary.