Digital Lifescapes

We're in a new era of digital transformation. The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the IT data center. However, this progress comes with a significant challenge: the escalating energy demands. The cooling requirements for these digital powerhouses are skyrocketing, presenting a critical conundrum for the IT industry and global environmental sustainability efforts alike. As the AI computing power intensifies, these facilities generate more heat. This heat isn't just a byproduct; it's a threat to the performance, stability, and longevity of AI platforms. AI Data Center Market Development According to a recent study by ABI Research, the global data center market is set for explosive growth. The number of data centers worldwide is expected to more than double from 10,978 in 2023 to over 22,000 by 2030. In 2023, data center operators consumed 300 TWh of energy solely for cooling purposes. Even more alarming is the projection that this figure will tr...

The global energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are rapidly gaining ground as we transition towards net-zero emissions. However, this transition hinges on a crucial but often overlooked factor: the modernization and expansion of our aging power grids across the globe. For decades the backbone of our electricity delivery system has been largely static. The influx of variable renewable energy sources like solar and wind presents a new challenge. Smart Power Grid Market Development Integrating these resources effectively requires a Smarter, more Responsive grid that can handle fluctuating power generation and efficiently distribute it across vast distances. This is where a new trillion-dollar energy market growth opportunity emerges. According to a recent worldwide market study by ABI Research, global investments in public grid digitalization and transmission network expansion must exceed $4 trillion by 2030 to meet our ...

The time has come. The global transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is rapidly accelerating, propelled by government initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change.  As concerns over the environmental impact of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles mount, nations worldwide are implementing aggressive policies to spur the adoption of EVs and the deployment of vehicle battery charging infrastructure. According to the latest global market study by Juniper Research, this driving force of progressive government intervention is catalyzing EV transformation growth. Electric Vehicle Market Development Juniper analysts have reviewed the pivotal role government policies are playing in shaping the future of the EV market. They highlight the various incentives, subsidies, and mandates introduced by countries globally to encourage rapid EV adoption. One of the most striking findings from the Juniper Research study is the projected 194 percent growth in the to...

Imagine a building that operates like a self-sufficient island, generating its own clean energy to power everything from lights to air conditioning, all while leaving no carbon footprint. That's the essence of a net-zero energy building, a revolutionary concept poised to transform the real estate landscape. Think of it as cutting the cord on your monthly energy bills, slashing greenhouse gas emissions, and attracting eco-conscious building tenants -- all while potentially boosting your asset value. The count of net-zero energy buildings worldwide will experience significant expansion in the coming years, according to the latest worldwide market study by ABI Research. Net-Zero Energy Buildings Market Development Driven by climate change imperatives, policy support, and maturing technologies, the market is forecasted to grow at a 29 percent Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) through 2027. "With buildings accounting for over one-third of global energy consumption, the real estate...

Growing awareness of sustainability and the threat of a global temperature increase is motivating strategic shifts in government and commercial organizations. Leaders are adopting carbon management tools to address the anticipated 18 percent GDP loss from climate change by 2050. These carbon management tools are used to calculate, manage, monitor, and report emissions, and help measure operational results throughout the global supply chain. According to the latest worldwide market study by ABI Research, the carbon management software solutions market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 19.7 percent, reaching $5.5 billion by 2032. Carbon Management Apps Market Development Scope 3 emissions, which can be 5 to 25 times higher than Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, constitute up to 90 percent of the overall environmental impact, according to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). Accurate measurement of Scope 3 emissions is crucial for government and business leaders to enhance resilience and eff...

In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, the automobile sector has emerged as a vanguard of innovation, boldly steering into the digital technology era. And, this is just the beginning of an amazing digital transformation. Automobile manufacturers face the considerable challenge of transferring their legacy products to Electric Vehicles (EVs) while balancing the need to maintain revenue and profits to afford the switchover from internal combustion engines. Automobile Digitalization Market Development According to the latest worldwide market study by ABI Research, automobile manufacturers will have invested $83.3 billion in digital technologies in 2023, growing by a CAGR of 8.5 percent to surpass $188 billion in 2033. "The transfer to EVs is driving demand for software, as manufacturers need to design new vehicles and simulate the vehicles' performance. The new production lines will also need to be simulated before launch," said Michael Larner, research direc...

The demand for smart traffic management systems has grown due to rising urban populations and increasing vehicle ownership. With more people and cars concentrated in cities, problems like traffic congestion, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions are pressing issues. Since the early 2000s, government leaders have been exploring ways to leverage advances in IoT connectivity, sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics to address these transportation challenges. The concept of a Smart City emerged in the 2010s, with smart mobility and intelligent traffic management as key components.  Smart Traffic Management Market Development Concerns about continued climate change, as well as cost savings from improved traffic flow, have further motivated local government investment in these advanced systems. According to the latest worldwide market study by Juniper Research, they found that by 2028, smart traffic management investment will be up by 75 percent from a 2023 figure...

Government decarbonization targets are specific goals set to significantly reduce or eliminate carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. These targets are a critical component of global efforts to combat current climate change risks. Governments establish these goals to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change by promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency, and sustainable transportation. These targets typically involve setting a timeline with measurable milestones to track progress and ensure accountability toward a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations. Electric Vehicle Market Development With the growing government decarbonization targets, Electric Vehicle (EV) production will increase rapidly this decade. New EV adoption will require a corresponding growth in EV battery output. According to the latest worldwide market study by ABI Research, global EV battery output production will increase nearly six times to 2,585 GWh b...

Climate change has already driven many CFOs and other senior executives to explore the most effective ways to ensure access to electricity that meets demand in the Global Networked Economy. Escalating energy prices pose a formidable obstacle to business leaders worldwide. During 2023, those prices will surge to a global $1.73 trillion enterprise spend on electricity consumption -- which considers the electrification acceleration of vehicle fleets and robots. As a result, the C-suite is now compelled to reassess their energy purchase agreements with utilities, contemplate installing renewable micro-grid systems, and prioritize energy efficiency. To do so, enterprises will invest $70 billion on smart energy solutions by 2030. Smart Energy Market Development In response, ABI Research has launched its Smart Energy for Enterprises and Industries research service to guide leaders on navigating the globally disrupted energy markets, achieving energy independence, and transitioning to renewabl...

Green public policy is about the commitment to sustainability and environmental management. Having a formal policy shows the world that managing environmental issues is a high priority to address climate change. The global public and private investment levels in green urban infrastructure are expected to increase from $606 billion in 2022 to $978 billion in 2030, according to the latest worldwide market study by ABI Research. Growth will evolve across a wide range of Green assets, including city parks, urban forests, blue spaces such as ponds and lakes, rooftop gardens, green walls and buildings, and pedestrianized green streets as part of new urban concepts. Green Technology Market Development Example projects include the Green makeover of the Champs Élysées in Paris for the 2024 Olympics (€250 million), the redevelopment of the former Athens International Airport into the Metropolitan Park and Coastal Front (€8 billion), and the NEOM Regreening and Saudi Green Initiatives ($187 billi...

Global climate change policy initiatives have been an emerging topic for CEOs and their leadership teams, as they look to the future. Many organizations are preparing to play their part and help reduce carbon emissions. Eighty-seven percent of business leaders expect to increase their organization’s investment in sustainability over the next two years, according to the latest worldwide market study by Gartner. Customers are the stakeholder group creating pressure for these organizations to invest or act on sustainability issues -- selected by 80 percent of executives, followed by investors (60 percent) and regulators (55 percent). Sustainability Market Development "Sustainability enables businesses to cope with disruption," said Kristin Moyer, VP analyst at Gartner . "Economic uncertainty, geopolitical conflict and escalating materials and energy costs are forcing businesses to reexamine all forms of expenditure." According to Gartner, this focus on essentialism -- ...

Today's business leaders face mounting pressures to improve their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) skills. Because the initial steps to the formulation of a sustainable enterprise transformation can be daunting for the C-suite, demand for ESG business strategy consulting has increased. According to the latest worldwide market study by International Data Corporation (IDC), ESG business services spending will grow to $158 billion in 2025 with a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 32.3 percent. "In 2022, all enterprises are being pushed to transform and fundamentally change the way they do business to become sustainable enterprises," said Dan Versace, research analyst at IDC . ESG Business Consulting Market Development Owing to increased pressure from customers, investors, and regulators, savvy organizations are just beginning to understand the business case for actionable Corporate Sustainability strategies. Those organizations that develop and implem...

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) proposed rule changes that would require climate-related disclosures and periodic reports -- including risks that are likely to have a material impact on a corporation. Business technologies might be a key component of responding to new SEC requirements. Cloud service sustainability, carbon footprint measurement, and advanced energy grid management software are three environmental technologies that could reach early mainstream adoption within one to three years. "Environmental sustainability cannot be the responsibility of just a few industries -- if our climate is to be protected, sustainable business must be a global priority," said Annette Zimmermann, vice president at Gartner . Sustainability Technology Market Development According to the Gartner assessment, the transition to a net-zero economy will be as disruptive as the industrial revolution or the digital revolution -- requiring new technologies, business models, leade...

Climate change is top of mind within many boardrooms, as executive leaders consider how to react to the predictable new government mandates. Some organizations around the globe have already created climate-related targets for reaching net-zero carbon emissions, including forward-looking telecom service providers. "These telco operators are at the intersection of communications and information technology, putting them in a unique position to offer connectivity and technological solutions that are not only lowering their own carbon emissions but also the emissions of their customers," said Kim Johnson, principal analyst at ABI Research . Telecom Infrastructure Sustainability Market Development Each of the market leaders has transitioned to using more than 50 percent renewable energy for global purchased electricity, and two have reached 100 percent penetration. The use of renewable energy has reduced the leaders’ total carbon emissions by 8.4 million metric tons of carbon dioxi...

As national governments release their plans to decrease carbon dependency and adapt to the ongoing challenges of climate change, regional and local energy policies represent one of the most effective vehicles for achieving these new goals. Meanwhile, municipal leaders across the globe are assuming a more proactive role in the process of creating sustainable energy policies, by developing their own comprehensive energy efficiency and carbon reduction goals. According to the latest worldwide market study by Navigant Research, the result has been a number of ambitious energy projects supported by innovations in smart grid technology, demand management, alternative or renewable generation, and distributed energy resources. For cities and utilities, developing an effective cross-agency smart energy and smart city strategy enables the optimal use of energy resources and reduces redundant investments in infrastructure. According to the Navigant assessment, such a strategy also improve...