Dr. Abdulrahim Al-Hour
Sustainability seeks to balance the needs of the environment, economy, and future societies. It aims to meet the requirements of current and future generations without depleting natural resources or causing environmental damage.
The relationship between technology and energy consumption is complex. While technologies can contribute to increased energy usage, they can also help reduce consumption by developing new energy sources like solar power, improving the efficiency of traditional energy use, and reducing demand. A WEF report found that digital technologies could reduce emissions by 20% by 2050 in the three highest-emitting sectors: energy, materials, and mobility.
To achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), governments must reshape their role in light of digital transformation requirements and foster healthy interaction between government, the private sector, and society. Redefining how governments manage development in the digital age is crucial, as the right digital approaches can accelerate SDG achievement.
As countries increasingly embrace the digital economy, producing and employing technological innovations is vital for sustainable social and economic development. Key focus areas include building the digital infrastructure that stimulates innovation, creating integrated technology systems that encourage the use of natural resources, disseminating green technologies in areas like clean electricity production, and improving the efficiency of traditional electricity production and consumption.
Qatar ranks first among Gulf countries in using natural gas for electricity production (91%), with oil and its derivatives accounting for only 9%. The government is making serious strides towards using renewable energies to reach 30% of Qatar’s total energy production by 2030, as outlined in the Qatar National Vision 2030.
The impact of modern technologies like 5G, cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence on sustainability will depend on how they leverage and promote renewable energy. Many global technology companies are integrating these cutting-edge technologies into their business strategies and aligning their work with sustainability goals and the SDGs.
Chinese technology giant Huawei, for example, recently announced its new Intelligent Digital Substation (IDS) solution at the 2024 World Energy Congress. This innovative solution, the first of its kind, addresses challenges in the electric power sector, such as electricity loss during transmission, service instability, and the integration of traditional and renewable energy sources. Huawei has also established its Digital Power division to enhance clean energy reliance, raise energy efficiency in technical infrastructure, and help other sectors achieve sustainable development through digital technologies and energy electronics. These initiatives align with Huawei’s overall sustainability strategy and its commitment to supporting the SDGs.
The photovoltaic power industry is expected to maintain strong growth as demand continues to increase. China’s technological boom and fierce global competition have raised the global yield of its companies in the field of integrated technological portfolios aligned with countries’ sustainable development goals.
Through the resolution A/RES/76/307 adopted in July 2022, the UN General Assembly recognized that the rapid pace of technological development has positive and negative long-term effects on achieving sustainable development. This underscores the need for international cooperation to address the challenges and opportunities for sustainable social and economic development in an increasingly digital world.
The writer is a former TV presenter for Al Jazeera’s financial program Anta wa Malik (Your Money) and as a radio presenter on AMWALOKOM.
