Information and communication technologies (ICTs) and ... - ITU

Overall report conclusions
Developing countries are facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities in the face of climate change.
The analysis presented in this report evidences that the close linkages that exist between ICTs and climate
change adaptation and mitigation are gaining momentum in the policy, the research and the practice
agendas, from the international to the local levels. Within vulnerable environments affected by more
frequent and intense climatic events, the increasing diffusion of Information and Communication
Technologies (ICTs) is enabling new ways to withstand, recover and adapt to climatic impacts, as well as to
improve energy efficiency and mitigate GHG emissions in a variety of sectors.
The two reports presented in this publication provide distinctive, yet complementary approaches to the use
of ICTs in the climate change field. The suggestions provided in both documents evidence the need for
developing countries to adopt innovative ICT-enabled strategies to tackle climate change adaptation and
mitigation, while ensuring a long-term, coordinated approach to the integration of ICT tools into broader
climate change strategies.
The reports identifies key areas of action to be considered in the design of ICTs and climate change
adaptation and mitigation strategies, including the development of policy content, and the establishment of
adequate structures and processes. The document builds upon the experiences and progress being
achieved by Ghana, an African country that has being a pioneer in the integration of ICTs and climate
change strategies. While there are still challenges to overcome, Ghana’s experience provides valuable
principles and suggested actions that have been reflected throughout this document. It is expected that the
suggestions provided in the report will help to guide the actions of other developing countries in this field,
as well as to raise the awareness of policy and decision-makers, and ultimately encourage the design of new
policies strategies and standards that foster ICT’s adaptation and mitigation potential.
As the experience of Ghana demonstrates, ICT and climate change policies should be designed based on a
holistic perspective, and as a collaborative, long-term process of continuous learning and interaction among
a varied set of stakeholders and levels. Leadership, articulation of efforts, active participation in
international climate change processes, partnerships with key stakeholders and local engagement in the
design of technology solutions, are among the key components of effective ICT and climate change
strategies.
As ICTs continue to play an increasing role in climate change networking and decision-making, information
and knowledge sharing, capacity building, livelihoods strengthening, and low-carbon/resource-efficient
economies, so will their potential as part of a more resilient future.
The resources, events and actions that have been undertaken by the International Telecommunication
Union (ITU) and other key stakeholders working at the intersection of ICTs and climate change, provide a
solid basis for future actions in this field.
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