Nature Positive Role of the Technology Sector 2025

Tech industry dependencies on natural resources and ecosystem services BOX 3 Materiality matrix FIGURE 9 Nature-loss driversUpstream inputs Tech value chain operations Mining for the tech industry ElectricitySemiconductor manufacturingData centres for cloud computingHardware/ electronics Materiality rating Low Medium High Not in focus Water use Pollution and waste GHGs Land use Electricity useA materiality matrix summarizes impacts and dependencies for tech across nature-loss drivers, with electricity use included as a fifth area given its multiplying effect on nature impacts upstream of tech operations (see Figure 9).Mineral and metal inputs Tech is highly dependent on mineral and metal inputs for manufacturing and operations, from silicon for chips to copper for wiring, and iron and steel for buildings. While many associate the tech sector with an abstract “cloud,” it requires very real physical infrastructure. Energy generation Tech manufacturing and data centre operations require significant quantities of energy, with projections indicating continued increase over coming years. Energy is currently provided from both renewable and non-renewable sources. Freshwater Semiconductor manufacturing and data centre operations are both dependent on water, especially for cooling. Impacts on local water supplies can be substantial if not properly mitigated. In the US even a few years ago, one-fifth of data centres were located in moderately to highly stressed watersheds and nearly half were fully or partly powered by generation plants in water stressed areas.49 Climate regulation, soil stability and flood protection Tech relies on ecosystem services such as climate regulation to maintain stable temperatures and healthy soils and landscapes to mitigate floods and provide the physical stability required to ensure effective operating conditions. These natural systems protect critical tech infrastructure from climate-related risks and natural hazards. Regeneration of natural resources and waste absorption The sector relies on the natural environment to re-absorb waste and regenerate the natural resources required for tech construction and operations. But rapidly rising e-waste volumes also present an opportunity for circularity and sustainable sourcing. Recycling and recovering metals from discarded hardware can reduce tech’s reliance on new extraction and alleviate pressure on natural resources. Note: See methodology in Appendix B; ratings reflect materiality across both dependencies and impacts. Nature Positive: Role of the Technology Sector 20