High-tech sector claims key role in climate challenge

The European information and communication technology (ICT) sector is trying to address some of the more negative environmental consequences of the sector's rapid expansion. So far this has mainly focused only on the material impact of (ICT), particularly regarding waste generation. However this is likely to change as the sector recognises it can contribute to climate change and is defining a role for itself in the global mitigation effort. Many individual companies have adopted voluntary targets to cut their carbon footprint through improvements in their production and distribution chains and in the energy consumption of their products. The Climate Group and the Global e-Sustainability initiative are carrying out a global study to identify the potential emission reduction opportunities for ICT. Within the EU group industrial manufacturing and transport are considered as candidates for action but it is not clear yet whether any definite ideas will be suggested in these areas. Identifying successful approaches for urban communities is a priority. Regarding ICT the major benefits will come when ICT is completely embedded in every aspect of daily life, leading to a re-think of how society functions, such as removing the need for business travel through the use of transformational technologies. Tables illustrate how ICT affects climate and the travel savings achieved by video conferencing.