The Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) has a vision for achieving a more sustainable world that puts ICT companies like Ericsson in the driver’s seat.
In 2006, the need to take action to address climate change reached a tipping point. The WWF argues for the decisive role of the ICT sector in their "Saving the Climate @ The Speed of Light" campaign. Carbon-reducing technologies include flexi-work, video- and audio-conferencing, e-learning and e-health. Dennis Pamlin, global policy advisor for WWF, addresses the opportunities and challenges.
Q: Why is the ICT industry in the driver’s seat when it comes to climate change?
A: This sector is used to rapid changes, is highly innovative, and has a service focus, which puts it in a unique position to find solutions. Companies like Ericsson have an opportunity to assume a leadership role in seizing opportunities that will benefit its business and society.
Q: What is preventing greater take-up of ICT solutions that actually save CO2?
A: The lack of take up is not due to lack of technology or too high costs. It's primarily about the persistence of old values and old management structures often combined with the wrong incentive structures. It's important to show that sustainable solutions are cost-efficient and smart as well as environmentally sound.
Q: Are there rebound effects from greater access to information that cancel out the advantages?
A: There are rebound effects but it depends on the framework. Increased air travel isn't necessarily a rebound effect of the information age. We don't take into account the environmental costs of aspects of modern life such as cheaper flights and trends such as more leisure time for vacations that drive increased air travel. There is big potential for reduced business flights through video-conferencing, but there is also a need for travel. We must make realistic, balanced decisions.
Q: How can Ericsson address the climate change challenge?
A: Ericsson should aggressively promote use of broadband technology, fixed and mobile, to lower transport needs. This would show decision-makers that new technology can increase efficiency as well as quality of life at the same time as we reduce CO2. Such technology can also help address the key challenge-sustainable urban solutions, especially in the mega-cities of emerging markets. It's important to encourage emerging markets like China not to lock into unsustainable solutions. ICT technologies can help them leapfrog in their development and lessen the impact of climate change. These are solutions that more advanced economies need as well.
