Page 47 - Turning digital technology innovation into climate action

Turning digital technology innovation into climate action

Chapter 6. How ITU is expanding Chapter 6

its role in climate action

With 193 countries and more than 800 private-sector entities and academic institutions as members,
ITU’s membership represents a cross-section of the global ICT sector, from the world's largest vendors,
manufacturers and telecom operators to small and medium-sized enterprises working with new and
emerging technologies, along with leading R&D institutions and academia.
Founded on the principle of international cooperation between governments (Member States) and
the private sector (Sector Members, Associates and Academia), ITU is the premier international forum
through which different parties can work together to build consensus on using ICTs to tackle a wide
range of global issues, including climate change and sustainable development.

The work of ITU contributes significantly to the implementation of multiple international commitments,
including the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs, the Paris Agreement and ITU’s Connect 2030 Agenda for
1
Global Telecommunication/ICT Development (as seen in Figure 12 below).

Figure 12: The four main goals of the Connect 2030 Agenda

This chapter highlights ITU’s role in four particular areas: assessing the environmental impacts of the
ICT sector; supporting the transition to smart sustainable cities; supporting the transition to a circular
economy (CE); and improving environmental efficiency of frontier technologies.

6.1 Assessing the environmental impacts of the ICT sector

ITU-T Study Group 5 (SG5) on ‘Environment, climate change and circular economy’ has been working
to identify the standardisation requirements for the sustainable use and deployment of ICTs and
developing international standards called ITU-T Recommendations on methodologies and guidelines
that assess the environmental impacts of different ICT applications. These Recommendations cover
specific ICT -related functions, products and services, including, for example: ICT supporting equipment
and facilities, installation activities (such as on radio sites), and networks and other services.

1 The Connect 2030 Agenda is a global agenda adopted by ITU and its member states, aimed at shaping the future of
the ICT sector by working towards four distinct goals. Goal 1: Growth – Enable and foster access to and increased use
of ICTs; Goal 2: Inclusiveness – Bridge the digital divide and provide broadband for all; Goal 3: Sustainability – Manage
challenges resulting from ICT development; and Goal 4: Innovation and Partnership – Lead, improve and adapt to the
changing ICT environment

33