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Articles

Vol. 60 No. 1 (2026): Prawo i Więź

Green Blindness in the Digital Age: Towards a Regulatory Agenda for Digital Environmental Justice

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36128/8gpcx489
Submitted
28 December 2025
Published
19-02-2026

Abstract

The twin transitions of green and digital transformation are redefining sustainable development agendas, yet current digital innovation often suffers from “green blindness,” the neglect of environmental externalities and justice concerns. This oversight can lead to significant environmental harm and exacerbate inequalities, as recent analyses have warned, highlighting that environmental issues are being sidelined in favor of digital growth. This study examines the legal aspects of this issue, situating the discussion within a global context and employing a comparative lens on developing countries. In Vietnam, for example, a booming digital economy coupled with pressing environmental challenges highlights the need for integrated governance to avoid high resource consumption and other sustainability risks. The paper introduces the concept of digital environmental justice, to ensure that the benefits and burdens of digital transformation are distributed equitably, and ecological impacts are mitigated. It examines how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, and big data systems, intersect with climate and environmental goals, identifying gaps where regulatory frameworks lag behind technological advancements. By bridging digital rights and environmental law, the paper argues for a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable digital age, guiding the twin transitions toward both green and just outcomes.

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