Library | ESG issues

Technology & Online Harm

Technology & online harm refers to the risks and challenges linked to existing and emerging digital technologies such as AI, blockchain, and cryptocurrencies. While these innovations can enhance efficiency and productivity, they also introduce risks like fraud, misinformation, regulatory uncertainty, and ethical dilemmas, requiring careful oversight and responsible adoption.

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AI, data governance and privacy: Synergies and areas of international co-operation

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
This report examines the synergies between artificial intelligence, data governance, and privacy, highlighting international collaboration opportunities. It identifies key regulatory frameworks, interoperability standards, and policy recommendations to address shared global challenges and promote responsible AI deployment while safeguarding data privacy across jurisdictions.
Research
26 June 2024

The race against time for smarter development: To be smart, the digital revolution will need to be inclusive

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
The report underscores the need for inclusivity in the digital revolution, highlighting gender disparities in STEM fields. Women are underrepresented in digital and engineering roles, limiting their access to future job opportunities. Policy interventions, improved workplace conditions, and equitable funding are essential to fostering diversity in technological innovation and ensuring sustainable, inclusive development.
Research
27 June 2021

Pensions in the age of artificial intelligence

CFA Institute
The report explores how artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) can address challenges in global pension systems. It highlights AI's potential to enhance governance, personalisation, fraud prevention, and investment strategies while emphasising ethical implementation and data privacy considerations to optimise retirement outcomes and ensure system sustainability.
Research
17 December 2024

Environmental impact of digital assets

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
The report highlights the environmental impact of digital assets, focusing on energy-intensive proof-of-work (PoW) consensus mechanisms in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. It underscores significant carbon emissions and advocates transitioning to less energy-demanding models, renewable energy use, and cross-border cooperation. Policy recommendations include targeted regulation, enhanced data transparency, and leveraging distributed ledger technologies for sustainable finance.
Research
1 December 2022

Digital business world and ethical dilemmas: A systematic literature review

This report systematically reviews ethical challenges in the digital business world, focusing on the intersection of digitalisation, corporate responsibility, and technology adoption. It highlights ethical dilemmas, such as AI transparency and sustainability, emphasising the need for tailored ethical guidelines to foster trust, innovation, and social responsibility in digital transformations.
Research
26 November 2024

Harnessing digital finance for sustainability: An integrative review and research agenda

The report reviews the role of digital finance in advancing sustainability goals through bibliometric and thematic analysis of 168 studies. It identifies key themes like financial inclusion, green finance, and fintech, proposing a conceptual framework to align digital innovation with sustainable development, fostering eco-friendly investments, and promoting global financial inclusion.
Research
30 November 2024

Green fintech: Sustainability of Bitcoin

The report examines Bitcoin's environmental sustainability within the Green FinTech framework. It highlights Bitcoin's significant energy consumption during mining, correlating positively with miner revenue. While offering financial inclusivity, Bitcoin's carbon emissions challenge its environmental credentials. The study advocates for renewable energy adoption in cryptocurrency mining to align with sustainability goals.
Research
8 June 2022

The hidden environmental cost of cryptocurrency: How Bitcoin mining impacts climate, water and land

United Nations (UN)
Bitcoin mining has significant environmental impacts, driven by its reliance on electricity-intensive processes. In 2020-2021, mining consumed 173 TWh of electricity, primarily from fossil fuels, and emitted 86 Mt CO2, contributing to climate change, water scarcity, and land use issues. Global regulatory action is urgently needed.
Research
20 November 2023

U.S. climate policy and blockchain innovation in future smart and sustainable cities

This report explores blockchain's potential to address climate challenges and foster smart, sustainable cities. It highlights blockchain's capacity for decentralisation, transparency, and efficiency in urban governance, renewable energy, and civic participation. Recommendations include multi-stakeholder collaboration, educational initiatives, and human-centred design to ensure ethical, inclusive implementation for climate resilience and innovation.
Research
10 September 2023

Infrastructure tokenization: Does blockchain have a role in the financing of infrastructure?

The World Bank
The report explores the potential of blockchain technology in financing infrastructure projects. It evaluates blockchain's capabilities in enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in infrastructure tokenisation, while addressing challenges like regulatory constraints, market adoption, and technical barriers. The findings highlight both opportunities and limitations for integrating blockchain into infrastructure financing.
Research
18 April 2023

Impact tokens: A blockchain-based solution for impact investing

International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
The report explores the concept of impact tokens, blockchain-based tools designed to unlock investments for sustainable projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These tokens enhance transparency, foster financial inclusion, improve data collection, and incentivise sustainable behaviours. Case studies illustrate applications across energy, agriculture, and waste management sectors, demonstrating potential in addressing global challenges. .
Research
19 April 2019

Blockchain for sustainability: A systematic literature review for policy impact

The report reviews blockchain's role in sustainability, analysing 10,188 studies. It highlights blockchain's potential in supply chain management, energy systems, and IoT-based solutions like smart cities. However, gaps persist in aligning blockchain applications with global ESG regulations and carbon trading mechanisms. Recommendations aim to improve blockchain's utility in achieving net-zero goals.
Research
17 October 2023

Responsible investment and blockchain

Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)
The report explores blockchain technology's relevance to responsible investment, highlighting its potential to enhance transparency, automate processes, and improve ESG data tracking. It discusses blockchain's implications for shareholder voting, decentralised systems, financial inclusivity, and sustainability. Practical challenges, including regulation, technical integration, and energy use, are also addressed. .
Research
17 April 2018

The financial stability implications of artificial intelligence

Financial Stability Board (FSB)
The report discusses the rapid adoption and integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the financial sector, driven by advancements in technology and increasing operational efficiency. Key risks include dependencies on third-party providers, market correlations, and cyber vulnerabilities. Generative AI's accessibility could amplify systemic risks, necessitating enhanced regulatory frameworks, vigilant monitoring, and robust governance to ensure financial stability amid evolving AI technologies.
Research
14 November 2024

Developing responsible chatbots for financial services: A pattern-oriented responsible AI engineering approach

CSIRO
The report outlines a pattern-oriented engineering approach for responsible AI in financial services. It identifies challenges in scaling responsible AI, introduces a Responsible AI Pattern Catalogue for addressing lifecycle risks, and provides case studies on chatbot development. The study underscores governance, process, and product strategies to operationalise responsible AI principles effectively.
Research
28 February 2023

Synthetic content: Exploring the risks, technical approaches, and regulatory responses

Future of Privacy Forum (FPF)
Generative AI enables the rapid creation of synthetic content, offering both opportunities and risks. This report examines challenges like disinformation and fraud, outlines technical and regulatory strategies, and explores trade-offs with privacy. Techniques discussed include watermarking, provenance tracking, and legal frameworks, aiming to enhance transparency while safeguarding privacy.
Research
15 October 2024
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