What COP30 means for digital transformation and sustainability

Image of man and woman talking with title what COP30 means for digital transformation and sustainability

Global, Dec 8, 2025

Authored to Nick Zinzan, Interim Head of Responsible Business

The 30th annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) was held in Belém, Brazil this year. Serving as a critical meeting for world leaders and delegates to discuss and negotiate climate action, the conference served as a wake-up call for businesses. While much of the attention focused on adaptation finance and forest protection, we also saw the topic of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) rise on the agenda as critical enablers of climate solutions. For organisations who are focused on meeting sustainability targets the message is clear: the future of climate action is digital. 

Key outcomes

As a result of the conference, there were several major achievements which organisations should be taking into consideration:

Global mutirão decision 

A call for a ‘collective effort’ to accelerate climate action and the implementation of the Paris Agreement. As a result of this, two voluntary initiatives were launched; the global implementation accelerator to help countries implement the adaptation plans and the Belém mission for 1.5˚C to keep the 1.5˚C goal ‘within reach’ through stronger ambition and cooperation. This continued focus on achieving the 1.5˚C goal underlines its importance not only in the business community but the wider world: we all need to increase our climate change mitigation efforts to keep it in sight.

Gender and inclusion

Adoption of a gender action plan, as part of the breakthrough Just Transition mechanism, with stronger gender-responsive budgeting and leadership roles for Indigenous and Afro-descendent women, along with formal recognition of Indigenous Peoples and local communities as central actors in climate action. The role that diversity and inclusion play in achieving goals, whether they are sustainability, productivity or climate justice related, cannot be understated. When people from diverse backgrounds work together, the more innovative and creative the team is likely to be. This formal recognition and adoption of a gender action plan restates global leaders’ commitment to creating decision-makers that more accurately reflect those they are making decisions for. 

Technology and AI integration

For the first time, AI featured as a core theme, with initiatives like the AI Climate Institute and the Green Digital Action Hub to support digital decarbonisation and climate data transparency. This is a clear recognition that climate goals cannot be achieved without advanced digital tools. From emissions tracking to predictive analytics for resource efficiency, technology is (and should be) central to operational resilience and sustainability. 

Why this matters to businesses

Digital transformation is no longer just about efficiency – it’s about future-proofing your operations. By incorporating responsible businesses and climate change mitigation practices from the start, digital transformation can not only optimise operations but also help achieve sustainability goals while creating a more diverse, innovative technology sector. At the end of the day these technologies don’t just support sustainability – they drive cost savings, operational excellence, and competitive advantage. 

Remaining challenges to navigate

Having said this, while digital technology certainly offers a route to sustainability goals that offers great rewards, there are still concerns. For example, AI’s environmental footprint continues at pace, with data centres and algorithms currently consuming energy to match nearly 1.5% of global electricity usage. Additionally, while data transparency is critical in sustainability, fragmented systems can slow progress. On top of this digital transformation on this scale requires upskilling and a mindset shift toward innovation that needs to happen rapidly. For many organisations these challenges may feel overwhelming, however working with a credible partner who has a clear sustainability focus and journey of their own can help to navigate these roadblocks. Green IT practices, open standards and digital transformation partners are all ways to ensure that organisations can act now. 

COP30 signalled a new era where digital transformation and sustainability go hand in hand. Organisations that act now – investing in AI, IoT, and data-driven solutions – will not only meet climate and sustainability goals but unlock efficiency and resilience.  

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