The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Symposium, in Ghana, called for increased attention and recognition from world leaders of the role ICT could have in assisting and mitigating serious environmental issues.
The ITU Symposium met recently to discuss ICT and climate change ahead of the 17th UN Climate Change Conference (COP-17), in Durban, scheduled for later this year.
With greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions rising by more than 70% since 1970, the ITU says all means need to be considered in efforts to minimise environmental damage.
The Ghana Symposium outlined the ITU's desire that ICT be specifically mentioned in COP-17 negotiations, as well as that discussions take place to form an agreed methodology for calculating the carbon footprint of ICT being planned and adopted.
ITU secretary-general Dr Hamadoun Tour'e emphasised: “It is now clear to most observers that ICTs have a very important role to play here. Recognition of this at the international level will provide countries with a solid argument to roll out climate change strategies with a strong ICT element.”
Malcolm Johnson, director of the ITU's Telecommunication Standardisation Bureau, highlighted the role of the ICT industry, saying: “ICTs probably provide the most significant opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the major high-emissions industries of energy generation, waste disposal, building and transport. This is a message we must carry to COP-17.”
The ITU plans to organise further symposia focusing on the ICT industry and climate change, continuing to bring together specialists in varied fields to further joint discussions.
The gatherings push for ICT firms to be greener, by trying to lower their 2.5% contribution to total global GHG emissions, as well as by assisting in matters such as climate change science and emergency relief.
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