Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), such as satellites, mobile phones or the Internet, play a pivotal role in addressing the major challenges related with climate change and sustainable development. ICTs are key enabling technology to monitor climate change, mitigate and adapt to its effects and assist in the transition towards a green economy.
ITU has been very active within the context of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and it has been also closely following the preparation for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD 2012 or Rio +20).
Within the framework of both UN processes, ITU has raised awareness on the transformative potential of ICTs and their instrumental role in promoting sustainable development by
· providing tools for climate monitoring;
· enhancing efficiency and reducing emissions in the ICT sector;
· reducing the carbon footprint of other sectors of the economy; · assisting countries to adapt to the impacts of climate change.