Ciência-IUL
Publications
Publication Detailed Description
The potential of digital convergence and sharing of consumer goods to improve living conditions and reduce emissions
Journal Title
Environmental Research Letters
Year (definitive publication)
2023
Language
English
Country
United Kingdom
More Information
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Abstract
Access to modern energy services (entertainment, food preparation, etc.) provided by consumer goods remains unequal, while growing adoption due to rising incomes in Global South increases energy demand and GHG emissions. The current model through which these energy services is provided is unsustainable and needs to evolve—a goal that emerging social and technological innovations can help to achieve. Digital convergence and the sharing economy could make access to appliances more affordable and efficient. This article estimates the effect of innovations around digital convergence and sharing in a highly granular, bottom-up representation of appliances. We simulate changes in demand for materials and energy, assuming decent living standards for all and global warming limited to 1.5ºC. By 2050, these innovations could attenuate the increase in the number of appliances to 135% and reduce overall energy demand by 28%. The results contribute to understand under which conditions digital convergence and sharing can improve living standards and climate mitigation.
Acknowledgements
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Keywords
Digital convergence,Sharing economy,Decarbonization,Consumer goods,Decent standards of living
Fields of Science and Technology Classification
- Earth and related Environmental Sciences - Natural Sciences
- Environmental Engineering - Engineering and Technology
- Health Sciences - Medical and Health Sciences