Scope and Motivation

Blockchain is a technology of Trust, with trust, openness, and transparency built into its design. As the deadline for the United Nations’ 2015 call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity draws closer, IEEE invites its community and stakeholders to consider how blockchain technologies can accelerate achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The UN’s 2021 Progress Report and helpful Progress Chart reflect that “the world was already off track in realizing the ambitions and fulfilling the commitments of the 2030 Agenda, even before COVID-19. As the pandemic continues to unfold, it is also magnifying deeply rooted problems: insufficient social protection, weak public health systems and inadequate health coverage, structural inequalities, environmental degradation and climate change”. Yet, as Einstein was quoted “In the midst of every crisis, lies great opportunity”, and adding the context of Blockchain reveals some of these:

• Data.  The UN Progress report considers a limited number of indicators and on information available as of June 2021. For most of the indicators, the latest available data was from 2019 to 2020; for a few indicators, the data was from 2017.  How might Blockchain enable the timely, efficient gathering of data?
• Literacy.  As the science around sustainability matters develops, it is becoming increasingly hard for individuals and companies to understand their impact and what might be done to improve their impact.   How might Blockchain enable individuals and companies to better understand their sustainability credentials?

It is also important to consider what nudges or changes may be necessary to render Blockchain a best-fit technology for Sustainable Development:

• Energy Consumption.  In many forms, notably proof-of-work systems,, Blockchain technologies consume large amounts of energy.  This may be prohibitively expensive for many, and may also fuel negative sustainability outcomes.

How might Blockchain be sustainable by default?

Blockchain could contribute to greater stakeholder involvement, transparency, and engagement, bringing trust and further innovative solutions in the fight against climate change, leading to more effective climate action. Blockchain technologies are likely to prove foundational in the build out and adoption of Web 3 and metaverse ecosystems.  We invite the IEEE community to exchange their ideas and proposals for change.