Decarbonisation through digitalization? Understanding and improving the climate implications of digital lifestyles

This project investigates the impact of digitalization on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, focusing on consumption patterns.

The project aims to fill a research gap by empirically studying how digitalization affects GHG emissions today, and using this data to predict future impacts.Two key dimensions are considered to understand consumption patterns: transaction data and time use.

A mobile phone app will collect participants’ transaction data, categorize it, and translate it into carbon emissions. A survey will then explore participants’ time use and digital behavior patterns.

This data will be used to identify correlations between digitalization and GHG emissions.The project will then develop GHG emission scenarios for future digital lifestyles, using prospective life cycle assessment.

These scenarios will inform policy recommendations for reducing climate impacts from consumption with the help of digitalization.

The current policy landscape in Sweden will be assessed, and stakeholders will be engaged in a Delphi process to discuss the feasibility of these recommendations. The ultimate goal is to contribute to reduced GHG emissions through digitalization in Sweden.