While new technologies and ICT
applications can contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions, the rapid uptake
in ICT devices, notably in developed countries, increases energy consumption and
the need to manage the environmentally sound disposal of e-waste. As was the
case with the Maitland Commission study in the 1980s demonstrating the relation
between ICTs and development, ITU needs to demonstrate the role of ICTs in
sustainable development and how they can be a key part of the solution to
climate change.
The adoption of clean technologies and their safe disposal can assist
both developing and developed countries alike in economic and social
development. ITU studies can also demonstrate how new technologies can be
designed to be more energy efficient and can develop further evidence of the
beneficial role that ICTs can play in combating global warming. ITU will share
knowledge and best practices on the clean production and use of ICTs and how
they can be used as a tool to assist Member States to mitigate and adapt to
climate change.
Main Orientations:
- Promote a focused approach to development of product and services in
areas where ICTs can readily contribute to reductions in GHG emissions,
including more standardized power supplies and batteries, smart devices and
buildings, new low consumption devices, research and development on
consumption and power supplies, use of ICTs in travel management and
paperless meetings.
- Conduct a systematic review of existing ITU treaties, resolutions and
recommendations in the light of climate change and identify requirements for
future work.
- Conduct and foster further research into the relationship between ICTs and
energy efficiency and issue appropriate materials (e.g. a handbook on ICTs
and their impact on climate change, a national e-environment toolkit) and
organize meetings/symposia on this issue.
- Participate actively in major meetings on climate change.
- Disseminate information on relevant ICT success stories and best
practices, through the ITU website, handbooks, toolkits, etc.
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