The issue of climate change has emerged as a global concern and requires global collaboration by all concerned, in particular the developing countries (which are the most vulnerable group of countries with respect to climate change); international initiatives in this domain are seeking to develop sustainable development and identify ways and means in which lCTs can monitor such climate change and reduce overall global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

In this respect, the outcomes of ITU-T and ITU-R Resolutions and Recommendations and in particular Resolution 73 (Johannesburg, 2008) and ITU-R Resolution 673 (WRC-07) should serve as a basis for the study of this Question.

There is a variety and several issues that members will address within the four coming years of this Question. It is proposed that the following steps for the study are expected to play a major role in the future in order to meet the objective of this Question:

1. In close collaboration with the relevant Programme(s) of the BDT the regional needs for such applications by developing countries shall be identified.

2. To elaborate a methodology for the implementation of this Question, in particular gather evidence and information regarding current best practices being taken to reduce overall global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions taking into consideration progress achieved by the ITU-T and ITU-R in this regard shall be adopted.

3. To consider the role of Earth observation in climate change, as determined by the implementation of ITU-R Resolution 673 (Radiocommunications use for Earth observation applications) in order to enhance the knowledge and understanding of developing countries in the utilization and benefits of relevant applications in connection of climate change.

4. To develop best practice guidelines for the implementation of relevant Recommendations adopted by the ITU-T as a result of the implementation of Resolution No. 73 (Johannesburg, 2008) both for monitoring climate changes, and reducing the impact of the climate change using the action plan of Resolution 44 (Rev.08 Johannesburg) in particular programmes 1, 2, 3 and 4 of this Resolution.

The output will be a report on the results of the work concluded for each step identified above, taking into account the specific needs of developing countries. Other outputs could be the organization of workshops and seminars for the developing countries, in relation with the relevant ITU-D Programme and in consultation with ITU-T and ITU-R related Study Groups.

The output will be generated on a yearly basis; the output for the first year will be analysed and assessed in order to update the work for the next year and so on.

An interim report will be produced by 2012. The final report is due by the end of 2013.

The Question is to be approved by WTDC-10.

Contributions are expected from:

Member States, Sector Members and Associates as well as inputs from:

1. Relevant BDT programmes and particularly those ICT initiatives which were successfully implemented for climate change.

2. Regional needs as identified by relevant Questionnaire and/or workshops on the subject.

3. Regional and/or national action plans and/or results in combating climate change.

4. Progress achieved by ITU-T and ITU-R Study Groups in this domain, in particular the results of the Joint Coordination Activity on ICTs and Climate Change (JCA-ICTCC).

5. Progress achieved by United Nations Intergovernmental panel on climatic change (IPCC) and other similar initiative(s).