Climate change has become one of the most urgent global threats and the search for effective solutions is a priority. Digitalization, in this sense, is positioned as a powerful tool to promote a more sustainable lifestyle and reduce the carbon footprint. Telefónica, in its ‘Connected Life 2023’ report, explains how the digital habits of its customers in Spain, Germany and Brazil achieved reduce the emission of 69.2 million tons of CO₂ during 2023. This report highlights how various areas of daily life can become more sustainable through digitalisation.
One of the most striking changes has been the use of video calls to reduce in-person trips, thus reducing CO₂ emissions. In Spain, for example, 80% of users use video calls regularly, avoiding an average of 18 national and 3 international trips per year. This practice has avoided the emission of around 2,000 kilograms of CO₂ per person.
What areas have changed with digitalization?
Another area that has changed with digitalization is work and education. In Spain and Germany, 50% of users have adopted teleworking or hybrid models, which reduces travel and, consequently, emissions. Each Spanish teleworker avoids about 352 kilograms of CO₂ per year, while students who opt for online training avoid up to three trips per week. This translates into less dependence on combustion vehicles, thus reducing the emission of polluting gases.
Digitalization has also had a positive impact on the sustainable mobility through the use of public transport and shared mobility applications. In the regions analyzed, 2 out of 3 people use public transport apps and 25% opt for shared services. These habits have managed to reduce between 42 and 53 kilograms of CO₂ per person per year. In addition, navigation applications, used by 50% of those surveyed, help optimize routes, avoiding traffic jams and improving travel efficiency.
The rise of e-commerce is another example of how digitalization can contribute to sustainability. More than 89% of users resort to online shopping, reducing the use of private vehicles for travel. It is estimated that each user avoids an average of 60 kilograms of CO₂ by opting for digital commerce instead of physical travel.