Information and Communication Technologies: Benefits and Challenges to the Environment

The issue of Information and CommunicationTechnology (ICT) and the environment is a complex andmultifaceted one. ICT can play both positive and negative roles insustainable environment. This study shows the important linkagesbetween ICTs, ICT-enabled innovation and the environment. Itanalyses the environmental impacts of ICTs in different stages ofthe life cycle and also as an enabling technology for mitigation ofenvironmental impacts across all economic sectors. Directenvironmental impacts were noted to be considerable in areassuch as energy use, materials throughput and end-of-lifetreatment. ICT usage could also generate new activities andwastes with grave implications on efficient environmentalresource management. The contribution of ICTs to systemicchanges to achieve more sustainable environment was discussed.It was concluded that it is important that the environmentalimpacts of ICT products and operations be minimized throughimproved research and development, implementation ofinnovative ICT systems and government ICT policies.