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Environment and climate change

Environment and Climate Change

ITU is at the forefront of enabling environmentally sustainable digital transformation. Recognizing the pivotal role of digital technologies in climate action and sustainable development, ITU is committed to greening the digital transition and minimizing its environmental impact. Working with over 1000 public and private sector members ITU is leading the circular economy transition by mitigating the impact of e-waste, and leveraging the positive impacts of ICTs in climate change monitoring, adaptation, and response.

"Embracing green digital transition isn’t just about adapting to change, it’s about seizing a once in a lifetime opportunity. It is a chance to imagine and create a better world and future for all."

ITU Deputy Secretary-General

Tomas Lamanauskas

Learn more and get involved

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Training on ICTs and environment

Circular economy for ICTs

Green data centers

ICT standards and environment

Radiocommunication and climate change

Digital technologies and SDGs

Link to circular and sustainable public procurement - ICT equipment guide page.

Circular procurement of ICT equipment

Green Digital Action

ITU-convened and partner-led, Green Digital Action aims to enhance collaboration, fast-track industry-wide commitments to addressing climate challenges, and put digital solutions at the forefront of climate action. Join the growing Green Digital Action community to drive action, shape collective outcomes and promote the green and digital transitions among businesses, governments, and others. Learn more.

Environmentally sustainable digital transformation

Digital technologies are pivotal to climate action and sustainable development, offering opportunities to enhance energy and operational efficiency, as well as optimize resource use. However the expanding energy consumption of digitalization is rapidly increasing greenhouse gas emissions of the ICT sector. ITU plays a crucial role in addressing this challenge by greening the digital transition and enabling ICTs to tackle climate change. Learn more.

Supporting a circular economy for electronics

Transitioning to a circular economy model is crucial to reducing the environmental impact of the digital sector. E-waste, a rapidly growing environmental issue, is a key focus. ITU collaborates with industry and governments to create a future where digital devices are reintegrated into production cycles, instead of becoming environmental hazards. Learn more.

Accelerating climate action with digital technologies

Digital technologies are integral to climate change monitoring, mitigation and adaptation as we strive to achieve the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals. As the UN agency for digital technologies, ITU collaborates with partners to identify and promote the positive impact of ICTs on energy efficiency and climate action. Learn more.

ITU's green transformation

While working with ITU members to leverage digital technologies to monitor, mitigate and adapt to climate change, ITU is also addressing climate change from within. This is in line with the UN-wide commitment to ‘walk the talk’ and systematically integrate sustainability across all UN operations. Learn more.