Aug 2026· Revista de Estudos Interdisciplinares· 0 citations
Abstract
Artificial intelligence is one of the main drivers of contemporary technological transformation, with effects that transcend the realm of innovation and directly impact the environment and the world of work. Its expansion is underpinned by supply chains for the extraction of critical mineral resources, energy-intensive consumption, and forms of labor organization mediated by digital platforms, all of which generate significant socio-environmental impacts. An analysis of this process reveals that, while promoting technical advances, artificial intelligence intensifies pressure on fragile ecosystems and entrenches new forms of precariousness. The study’s overall objective is to analyze the hidden costs of artificial intelligence, linking environmental effects to forms of labor precariousness in the Global South. As specific objectives, it seeks to identify the impacts of mineral extraction and energy consumption on sustainability, examine the mechanisms of precariousness and the invisibilization of digital labor, discuss global inequalities resulting from the data economy, and evaluate alternatives for regulation and governance that integrate environmental and social justice. The research question guiding this study is: In what ways does the expansion of artificial intelligence contribute to exacerbating the environmental crisis and deepening labor precariousness in the Global South? The methodology adopted is qualitative in nature and is based on a critical literature review, which made it possible to articulate different analytical dimensions and interpret contradictions present in discourses on technological neutrality. The results demonstrate that artificial intelligence, when examined from a broad perspective, reveals environmental and social costs that cannot be ignored. The conclusion indicates that any innovation agenda must incorporate robust sustainability parameters and guarantees of decent work, lest it reinforce historical asymmetries and exacerbate socio-environmental vulnerabilities.
Digitalisation has greatly changed development approaches worldwide, including increasing efficiency and productivity in sectors. But the potential impact on the environment is unclear. This study examines the effects of digitalisation on the environment in G7 economies between 2000 and 2023. A composite digitalization index is built by applying principal component analysis (PCA) and the carbon dioxide (CO
2
) emissions is used as a proxy for environmental degradation. The study uses PMG-ARDL model to provide strong empirical analysis and FMOLS model as a robustness test due to cross-sectional dependence, slope heterogeneity and mixed integration order. The results show that digitalisation helps to lower CO
2
emissions in G7 countries, supporting environmental sustainability through technological progress. The EKC is verified, as initial economic development leads to rising emissions and beyond a threshold, lower emissions. In addition, energy use is a major contributor to environmental damage, and FDI results a decline of emissions. The findings underline the importance of policymakers to incorporate environmental concerns in digital transformation policies. To achieve maximum environmental benefits from digitalization, it is important to promote energy-efficient digital infrastructure and provide incentives for green innovation. The study highlights the need to make sure digital development is aligned with sustainability goals.
Saqib Muneer, Cristiana Cerqueira Leal, Benilde Oliveira et al.· Quality & Quantity· 0 citations
Sustainable development, challenged by the global climate crisis, environmental degradation, and income inequality, requires more than growth-oriented indicators. In this context, the impact of financial innovation (FinTech) on the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of sustainability in emerging economies has been debated. This study empirically identifies the multidimensional effects of FinTech on sustainability across 23 emerging economies from 2011 to 2023. Using 299 observations over a 13-year period, we apply the triple bottom line (TBL) framework. It also tests the moderating role of physical capital accumulation in the relationship between FinTech and economic sustainability using an economic model. Two-way fixed-effects models were constructed for economic, environmental, and social sustainability metrics. A FinTech index derived from Google Trends search frequencies related to artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, and data technologies, validated through factor analysis and reliability tests, was used as the primary independent variable. To address the identified issues of heteroscedasticity, autocorrelation, and cross-sectional dependence, robust estimates were obtained using Driscoll and Kraay’s standard errors. The results indicate that FinTech does not have a statistically significant direct effect on economic or environmental sustainability. However, FinTech is positively associated with social sustainability, and its contribution to economic sustainability becomes significant when sufficient physical capital accumulation is supported. Interaction analysis revealed that the contribution of FinTech to economic sustainability is conditional. The marginal effect is negative at low levels of physical capital accumulation but turns positive as physical capital accumulation increases. The findings indicate that FinTech acts as a lever to strengthen inclusivity under SDGs 1 and 10; however, it does not automatically generate economic or ecological gains for SDGs 7, 9, and 13 unless it is integrated with physical infrastructure investments, green/ESG regulations, green credit quotas, and renewable energy strategies.
A. Afşar, Bakhtiyar Garayev, Onur Lakeç· Sustainability· 0 citations
In recent years, the continuous and rapid development of technological innovations, and above all digital innovations, has been radically transforming established processes in global production of goods and services, as well as production and supply chains. This is leading to flexible yet unstable development at all levels of the global economy, changing the nature of relationships among economic actors at the micro-, macro-, and meso-levels, and affecting all spheres of citizens’ lives. In this context, global crises are becoming a permanent feature and require public administration and business management systems to promptly identify and control manifestations of such disruptions in the socioeconomic environment and to select scientifically sound and relevant tools to ensure governability toward the sustainable development of society. This article identifies and substantiates the hypothesis that timely identified and well-founded trends lay the foundation for rethinking the nature of ongoing processes and analyzing the strategic behavior of both economic entities and authorized government bodies. It is argued that the key factor influencing socio-economic processes today is the war in Ukraine, as its consequences affect various regions of the world, causing serious problems for the global economy, characterized by a slowdown in growth, rapid inflation, and recession. It has been established that artificial intelligence (AI) technologies will have a key impact; therefore, the effective use of AI should be aimed at remaining flexible, understanding market needs, and constantly adapting to technological progress. Furthermore, investments in artificial intelligence solutions will enable companies not only to optimize business operations and reduce costs but also to provide customers with the expected value and experience. A proposal has been substantiated regarding the need for broad involvement of the domestic scientific community, with mandatory collaboration with European partners within the framework of European integration programs, to analyze and forecast identified trends with the aim of making them systematic and scientifically sound. Key objectives of state economic policy have been developed and proposed as a response to the challenges posed by global development trends.
Keywords: global trends, economic development, state economic policy, threats and challenges.
S. Davymuka, N. Popadynets· Actual problems of innovativ...· 0 citations
Over the past two decades, Asia's economic transformation has driven by digitalization and urbanization, and yet its environmental impact remains insufficiently understood. Using panel data from 22 Asian countries between 2000 and 2021, this study investigates whether internet usage influences carbon emissions and whether urbanization (urban population) amplifies this effect. The results reveal that urbanization intensifies the environmental impact of internet usage (digitalization). Testing for endogeneity concerns using a quasi-natural experiment, the results confirm that the moderating effect persists under stable economic conditions; however, the impact is not prominent during crises such as COVID-19. The discoveries emphasize the growing challenge of integrating digital expansion, rapid urban development, and environmental sustainability. More importantly, the study highlights the need for synchronization between environmental engineering strategies and urban planning methods that align with digital infrastructure. This evidence contributes to the debate on sustainable urban transitions in emerging economies and offers insights into how environmental engineering and urban planning can reduce the environmental pressure of digitalization.
Mohd Ashari Bakri, Masnun Al Mahi, Abdul Rahim Ridzuan· E3S Web of Conferences· 0 citations
Against the backdrop of global instability in energy and resource markets, ensuring the environmentally balanced development of national economies has become a top priority. For Ukraine,
which has overcome the consequences of the armed conflict, remains dependent on fossil fuels, and
is integrated into the European energy system, this task is complicated by many factors. The fragmentation of environmental regulations, the obsolescence of industrial infrastructure, and poor
coordination among government agencies are hindering the transition to a “green” economic
model. The aim of this article is a comprehensive study of the environmental sustainability of
Ukraine’s economy in the context of global energy and resource instability. The paper identifies key
elements of sustainability–the degree of energy sovereignty, resource consumption intensity, institutional effectiveness, and the level of environmental awareness–along with an analysis of the main
obstacles in each area. The study analyzes geopolitical factors destabilizing supply chains and the
role of international climate mechanisms (carbon regulation, “green” bonds) in enhancing the
economy’s adaptability. Energy transition scenarios for solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy are
examined, with a differentiation of potential benefits and limitations. Particular attention is paid
to the implementation of circular models in industry, construction, and the agricultural sector, the
adaptation of international environmental standards, and the development of environmental monitoring systems. Key actors in the environmental transition–from state regulators to local communities–are systematized. Strategic priorities include the modernization of energy infrastructure,
the development of distributed generation from renewable energy sources, tax incentives for
resource conservation, and the expansion of recycling capacities. Together, these measures will
increase Ukraine’s resilience to external shocks and strengthen its position in the clean technology
market.
Vitalii S. Nitsenko· Actual Problems of Economics· 0 citations
This study examines the relationship between environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance and firm value in the global energy sector, with a focus on the moderating effects of national culture and green innovation. It analyzes 1960 firm‐year observations from publicly traded energy companies in 35 countries from 2014 to 2023. Results show that ESG performance is positively associated with accounting‐based performance, while its impact on market valuation is limited. National culture plays a significant role: individualism enhances the financial benefits of ESG, whereas power distance and uncertainty avoidance reduce them. Green innovation improves operational performance but does not strengthen the ESG–firm value link, likely because of the short‐term costs of implementation and adjustment. The findings underscore the critical role of institutional context and organizational capabilities in driving value through sustainability initiatives in the energy sector. These results hold consistently across ESG measures, subsample analyses, and endogeneity tests.
Atar Derj, Adil Bami, Slimane Ed-dafali et al.· Corporate Social Responsibil...· 0 citations