Building a 'Green Data' Future: How a Human-Centric Approach to Data and Nudges Can Help Fight Climate Change

Abstract

A defining feature of the digital transformation is the sensorization of everything and the creation of vast amounts of data covering every aspect of social and economic life. It is, therefore, unfortunate that the value of this vast data pool has not been fully utilized in tackling climate change and other environmental challenges facing humanity.

This failure is a product of the closed and siloed character of the modern data ecosystem in which stakeholders deem the collected data as “their” proprietary asset and have little incentive to share it with those interested in creating new value from such data, including for example, by developing innovative technologies relevant for tackling climate change.

This paper argues that a user-data model, in which data is re-conceptualized as the property of the users who “generate” it might better unlock or activate the “Green Value” of this data and, by doing so, facilitate the creation of innovative green technologies.

The paper focuses on three settings where a user-held data model might usefully contribute, namely facilitating green lifestyles, fostering sustainability in green cities, and building green innovation ecosystems. Based on the foregoing discussion, the paper concludes by identifying some general normative principles that might guide regulatory interventions in this context.

Keywords: Green data, user-held data model, IoT, AIoT, wearables, biometric data, personal data, smart cities, smart citizen, innovation, regulatory sandboxes, personal AI, nudge, choice architecture

JEL Classification: K00, K1, K20, K30, K40