Page 16 - Turning digital technology innovation into climate action

Turning digital technology innovation into climate action

ITU’s research also shows that the digital divide between developed and developing countries is
shrinking, as investment in ICT networks and services continues to grow while prices fall. This is
illustrated in Figure 2, which shows the average price for mobile broadband services falling over time
in the least developed countries (LDCs). The increasing affordability of ICTs in general, is expected to
continue, which will further ensure their mainstream availability in the remotest locations around
the world. With Internet speeds becoming faster and usage limits declining, the world is becoming
more connected than ever before.

Figure 2: The tightening affordability gap between developed and developing countries 4

These increasing levels of connectivity and the increasing use of ICTs globally could, therefore, offer
some potential to help address some of the planet’s most pressing climate concerns. And while the
increased use of ICTs undoubtedly contributes to global warming (as explained in Chapter 2), these
technologies can also play a role in monitoring, mitigating, and enhancing and improving climate
change adaptation strategies (as detailed in later sections of this report). In particular, since the main
output of the ICT sector is information rather than physical goods – a concept sometimes referred to
as ‘dematerialization” – ICTs can contribute to reducing the emissions and solid waste that emanate
from other (non-ICT) sectors of the economy.
There is also potential for continuing to increase the momentum toward environmental conservation
and responsibility through the use of ICTs, by helping to disseminate information that shapes
responsible discourse and practices. A significant shift needs to occur, especially towards creating a
more sustainable and circular economy (CE). Some estimates show that the new services and business
models (facilitated by ICTs and digital platforms) that could be developed as a result of more circularity
5
may unleash as much as 1.8 trillion euros of annual benefit by 2030 – or a 7 per cent additional GDP

4 International Telecommunication Union (ITU). ‘Draft Report of the Council on the Implementation of the Strategic Plan
and Activities of the Union.’ Page 6, 19 Mar. 2018. *Also available in Measuring the Information Society Report, 2016
5 Circularity refers to recycling, reuse, upcycling, etc. of technological materials in order to minimize waste and make
the most of resources. A circular economy cycles as many materials as possible through a Make-Use-Reuse-Remake-
Recycle loop.

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