The 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) is underway in Dubai, where world leaders and experts are discussing how to tackle the global climate crisis. Among the many innovative solutions being showcased, one stands out for its potential to transform the way we use digital technology for climate action: the 5G Tech Space.
What is a 5G Tech Space?
A 5G Tech Space is a modular high-tech unit that can be deployed anywhere in the world to develop and deliver software applications that leverage artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), and immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). These applications can help address various climate challenges, such as reducing emissions, improving resource efficiency, and building resilience to the impacts of climate change.
The 5G Tech Space is powered by 5G, the latest generation of mobile communication technology that offers ultra-fast, reliable, and low-latency connectivity. 5G enables data-intensive and real-time applications that are not possible with previous generations of mobile networks. 5G also supports massive device connectivity, which can enable smart and sustainable solutions across different sectors and industries.
How can 5G Tech Spaces support climate action?
5G Tech Spaces can support climate action in several ways, such as:
- Enabling remote and flexible work: 5G Tech Spaces can provide access to high-performance computing and cloud services, as well as immersive collaboration tools, that can enable remote and flexible work from and to any location in the world. This can reduce the need for travel and commuting, which are major sources of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Fostering innovation and education: 5G Tech Spaces can facilitate innovation and education by providing access to cutting-edge technologies and tools, as well as online learning platforms and content. This can help create new solutions and skills for climate action, as well as raise awareness and engagement among different stakeholders and communities.
- Empowering local and regional development: 5G Tech Spaces can empower local and regional development by providing access to digital services and opportunities that can improve the quality of life and livelihoods of people, especially in underserved and rural areas. This can help reduce inequalities and poverty, which are often linked to environmental degradation and vulnerability to climate change.
Who is behind the 5G Tech Spaces initiative?
The 5G Tech Spaces initiative is led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs), in partnership with Ericsson, a global leader in 5G technology and solutions, and the World Economic Forum (WEF), the international organization for public-private cooperation.
The initiative is part of the Green Digital Action track at COP28, which aims to enhance collaboration, fast-track industry-wide commitments, and put digital solutions at the forefront of climate action. The Green Digital Action track is convened by ITU, together with partners spanning governments, businesses, civil society, and fellow UN agencies.
The initiative is also aligned with the Partner2Connect Digital Coalition, which seeks to mobilize resources and partnerships to connect the 3.7 billion people who are still offline by 2030, and to ensure that everyone can benefit from the digital transformation.
Where can I see a 5G Tech Space in action?
The first 5G Tech Space was launched at COP28 in Dubai, where it is showcasing various applications and use cases that demonstrate how 5G and digital technologies can support climate action. The 5G Tech Space is open to all COP28 participants and visitors, who can experience and interact with the applications and learn more about the initiative.
The 5G Tech Space is also connected to other 5G Tech Spaces that have been deployed in different locations around the world, such as Africa, Asia, and Europe. These 5G Tech Spaces are hosted by leading universities and research institutions, such as the University of Cape Town, the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, and the Technical University of Munich. These 5G Tech Spaces are also showcasing local and regional applications and use cases, as well as engaging with students, researchers, and innovators.
The 5G Tech Spaces initiative plans to expand and scale up its network of 5G Tech Spaces in the coming months and years, with the aim of reaching and empowering more people and communities around the world with digital technology for climate action.
