ICT can be used to cut greenhouse emissions – Report
A new report released today April 2, 2012 says information and communication technology can be used to cut down on emissions.
The report issued by the Broadband Commission for Digital Development of the UN agency, International Telecommunication Union (ITU) argues that broadband can help transition the world towards a low carbon-economy and address the causes and effects of climate change.
The report titled ‘The Broadband Bridge: Linking ICT with Climate Action’ is the result of work conducted by the Broadband Commission Working Group on Climate Change, chaired by Hans Vestberg, President and CEO of Ericsson and comprising several members of the Commission, representing industry, international organizations, and NGOs, according to a press statement from the ITU.
The statement indicates that the report aims to raise awareness of the pivotal role information and communication technology (ICT), and particularly broadband networks, can play in helping creating a low carbon economy of the future.
It also highlights the importance of public private partnerships in accelerating change, and it is based on interviews, case studies and supporting material from more than 20 leaders and experts in the field.
Commenting on the report, Dr Hamadoun Touré, the ITU Secretary-General said, “Addressing climate change implies completely transforming our way of life, the way we work, the way we travel, shifting our model of development to a fairer, more sustainable model to ensure our survival.
We need to put at stake all the resources available to us, and mobilize the political will to turn discussions and negotiations into agreements and action.”
The statement said building on the agreements achieved at the 2011 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP-17), the report emphasizes the kind of transformative solutions that are enabled by broadband. It provides practical examples of how broadband can contribute to reducing greenhouse gasses, mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change, and promoting resource efficiency, while at the same time building more prosperous and inclusive societies.
By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi