Digital sustainability and eco-environmental sustainability: A review of emerging technologies, resource challenges, and policy implications

Abstract

This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the intersection between digital sustainability (DS) and eco-environmental sustainability (EES), focusing on the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, electric vehicles (EVs), and cryptocurrencies. The study critically examines the sustainability concerns arising from the increasing demand for digital infrastructure and the depletion of essential natural resources, including tantalum, indium, cobalt, and lithium. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the review evaluates the ethical, technological, and policy implications of integrating DS within the EES framework. It emphasizes the significance of innovative governance and cross-sector collaboration to address the environmental trade-offs and digital rebound effects linked with these technologies. Additionally, the review proposes strategies for mitigating the ecological impacts of digital transformation and identifies crucial research gaps, particularly in resource management and long-term sustainability. The findings aim to guide the alignment of DS with EES, fostering a more balanced and resilient path towards sustainable development. This study offers actionable insights and policy recommendations for industry practitioners, policymakers, and researchers committed to advancing sustainable digital transformation.