​Statement of the situation or prob​​lem

1.1 ICTs and climate change

The issue of climate change has emerged as a global concern and requires global collaboration by all concerned, in particular the developing countries1 (which are the most vulnerable group of countries with respect to climate change). International initiatives in this domain are seeking to achieve sustainable development and identify ways and means in which information and communication technologies (lCTs) can monitor climate change and reduce overall global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The focus of this Question is ''responsible consumption and production''. ICTs have a direct and indirect effect on the environment. ICTs can help emerging economies overcome and thrive despite climate change and fluctuations, while helping the world mitigate climate change.
New technologies, systems and applications can monitor climate and reduce its adverse impact by utilizing big data. They can be pivotal in helping policy-makers and industry to tackle challenges with regard to environment changes while formulating new policies and setting new standards of production towards reduction of emissions. Also, artificial intelligence can contribute to the collection of information through various methods and channels of data collection, by utilizing both human and historical experience to face extreme and unpredictable weather scenarios.
​ Study Group 5 of the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) is the lead study group for study of ICT environmental aspects of electromagnetic phenomena and climate change, including design methodologies to reduce environmental effects, such as recycling related to ICT facilities and equipment; and Study Group 7 (Science services) of the ITU Radiocommunication Sector (ITU R) is the lead study group for studies related to the use of radio technologies, systems and applications, including satellite systems, for environment and climate change monitoring and climate change prediction. In this respect, the outcomes of ITU T and ITU R resolutions and Recommendations, and in particular Resolution 73 (Rev. Geneva, 2022) of the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) and Resolution 673 (Rev. WRC 12) of the World Radiocommunication Conference, should serve as a basis for the study of this Question.

1.2 Telecommunication/ICT waste material

​The growth of telecommunications/ICTs, especially in developing countries, has been exponential in recent years. For instance, between 2002 and 2007, mobile phone penetration in the Americas region grew from 19 to 70 terminals per 100 inhabitants. Globally, the share of mobile phone subscriptions in developing countries increased by 20 percentage points, from 44 per cent to 64 per cent over the same period of time. The growth of electrical and electronic equipment and their peripherals, as well as the continuous updating of technology, has generated a significant growth in telecommunication/ICT waste. It is estimated that between 20 and 50 million tonnes of telecommunication/ICT waste are generated every year worldwide. However, recycling and responsible disposal of telecommunication/ICT waste remain at low levels, making it difficult to even find figures on this issue at regional level. According to the Global E-waste Monitor 2020, the world generated 53.6 million tonnes of e-waste in 2019, whilst global waste generation is predicted to reach 74 Mt by the year 2030, which is almost double the 2014 figures. This equates to an average of 7.3 kg per person. Recycling and efficient disposal of telecommunication/ICT waste have not been handled properly, proving a major challenge to even obtain correct total ICT waste/e-waste present in the world.
The consequences of not carrying out proper recycling or disposal of e-waste constitute environmental problems of large magnitude and give rise to health issues, especially for developing countries.
The exponential growth of telecommunication/ICT terminals, the associated high turnover of terminals and advances in technology make it imperative to put forward actions in the immediate future to prevent the environmental catastrophe that would result in developing countries if we fail to produce an adequate regulatory framework and work towards policies that address this problem.

Question o​​r issue for study

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

• a) In close collaboration with the respective BDT programme(s), identify the regional needs for relevant applications for developing countries.
• b) Elaborate a methodology for the implementation of this Question, in particular gathering evidence and information regarding current best practices on how ICTs can help reduce overall GHG emissions, taking into consideration progress achieved by ITU T and ITU R in this regard.
• c) Consider the role of Earth observation in climate change, as determined by the implementation of Resolution 673 (Rev. WRC 12), on radiocommunication use for Earth observation applications, in order to enhance the knowledge and understanding of developing countries in respect of the utilization and benefits of relevant applications in connection with climate change.
• d) Develop best-practice guidelines for the implementation of relevant Recommendations adopted by ITU T as a result of the implementation of Resolution 73 (Rev. Geneva, 2022), both for monitoring changes in the climate and reducing the impact of climate change using the action plan in WTSA Resolution 44 (Rev. Geneva, 2022), in particular programmes 1, 2, 3 and 4 thereof.
• e) Strategies to develop a responsible approach to, and comprehensive treatment of, telecommunication/ICT waste: policy and regulatory actions required in developing countries, in close collaboration with ITU T Study Group 5.
• ​f) Consider the role of ICTs towards a greener world post-COVID-19.

  Expected ​output​

  The output will be a report or reports 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 in relation with the relevant ITU D programme and in consultation with the relevant ITU T and ITU R study groups.