Article: An examination of the environmental and climatic consequences stemming from the integration of the Metaverse into converging digital ecosystems Journal: International Journal of Environment, Workplace and Employment (IJEWE) 2025 Vol.9 No.1 pp.16 - 35 Abstract: This paper delves into the environmental and climatic consequences stemming from the integration of the Metaverse into converging digital ecosystems. Current literature on the impacts of the Metaverse on the environment and climate change does not offer practical solutions and approaches to mitigate these impacts within the context of digital ecosystems. The research methodology adopted was an integrative literature review design in which multiple sources were analysed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Findings revealed five critical areas in which the Metaverse is most likely to have a notable impact on environmental sustainability and the climate: 1) energy consumption; 2) e-waste; 3) rare earth metals and conflict minerals; 4) changes in physical travel; 5) encouraging sustainable behaviours. The findings underscore the role of renewable and alternative resources, recycling initiatives, and cross-sector collaboration in mitigating the relevant negative impacts. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: An examination of the environmental and climatic consequences stemming from the integration of the Metaverse into converging digital ecosystems

Authors: Mark Esposito; Tatiana Harkiolakis; Terence Tse; Danny Goh

Addresses: Hult International Business School, Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society, Harvard University, 1557 Massachusetts Ave 4th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA ' Centre for Policy and Competitiveness, Ecole des Ponts ParisTech Business School, ISC Paris Business School, 10-12 Rue Victor Hugo, 92300 Levallois-Perret, France ' Hult International Business School, 37-38 John St., London WC1N 2AT, UK ' Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, Park End St., Oxford OX1 1HP, UK

Abstract: This paper delves into the environmental and climatic consequences stemming from the integration of the Metaverse into converging digital ecosystems. Current literature on the impacts of the Metaverse on the environment and climate change does not offer practical solutions and approaches to mitigate these impacts within the context of digital ecosystems. The research methodology adopted was an integrative literature review design in which multiple sources were analysed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Findings revealed five critical areas in which the Metaverse is most likely to have a notable impact on environmental sustainability and the climate: 1) energy consumption; 2) e-waste; 3) rare earth metals and conflict minerals; 4) changes in physical travel; 5) encouraging sustainable behaviours. The findings underscore the role of renewable and alternative resources, recycling initiatives, and cross-sector collaboration in mitigating the relevant negative impacts.

Keywords: environment; climate; climate change; Metaverse; sustainability; digital ecosystem; energy; e-waste; conflict minerals; travel.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWE.2025.145486

International Journal of Environment, Workplace and Employment, 2025 Vol.9 No.1, pp.16 - 35

Received: 04 Oct 2024
Accepted: 31 Oct 2024
Published online: 01 Apr 2025 *

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Title: An examination of the environmental and climatic consequences stemming from the integration of the Metaverse into converging digital ecosystems

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