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Digital solutions to tackle climate change, forge a sustainable future

ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Digital technologies such as 5G, AI, plus a host of emerging technologies from VR/ AR (virtual/augmented reality) to big data or renewable energy, are transforming our digital ecosystem, how we work and how we live our lives. The transformational potential offered by these technologies is huge. But, on the flipside, our increased consumption brings with it more electronic (e-)waste and harmful emissions, which have to be carefully considered as we transition towards a green and circular economy.

Used wisely, digital technologies have distinct and important roles to play in terms of monitoring, mitigating and adapting to climate change, as well as helping us move to this circular economy. And it's not just the technologies themselves - it's also important to raise awareness on how those technologies can help tackle the major global challenges of climate change and build a sustainable future.

ITU's work cuts across all these vital areas. ITU has three main areas of activity organized in 'Sectors'. Through its Radiocommunication sector (ITU-R), Standardization sector (ITU-T) and Development sector (ITU-D), ITU covers the role of digital technologies within climate change, to tackle e-waste and facilitate energy efficiency.

Many of UN's Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) are directly related to the environment and the climate, including the advent of smart sustainable cities and societies. ITU actively promotes the SDGs by linking and incorporating these goals into its strategies, and aligning its activities and actions accordingly. ITU's work is also closely linked to WSIS Action Line C7, on e-environment, and together with WMO and UNEP, ITU is a facilitator of this.

ITU itself is a climate neutral organization, since January 2015, and continues its efforts in this area, in collaboration with UN experts.