Promoting The Green Economy Through ICT ITU Workshop on “Building a Sustainable Future Through Green ICT Standards” (Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, 15-16 (am) July 2013) Promoting The Green Economy Through ICT Nakiguli Helen Cynthia, Environment Management Specialist, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, 15-16 (am) July 2013

Outline Understanding the green economy Interaction;ICT and the Environment ICTs relation to the green economy Challenges Recommendations for the region

Green Economy: What is it? Low carbon Social inclusive Resource Efficient An economy that results in “improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities.” (UNEP 2011)

Interaction between ICT and the Environment ICT infrastructure and services Applications Effects on Economic Growth Systemic Effects

ICT... A key enabler of the Green Economy Decreasing its direct effects – lifecycle Energy/Material, toxic material, recycling techniques efficiency Increasing its enabling effect in other sectors Efficiency, smart cities and societies (substitution/dematerialisation) Supporting the systemic effects Life style changes – Green Consumerism

Anticipated Challenges Rebound Effect Vs. Efficiency Increase energy and material efficiency- increased consumption Impact of substitution (dematerialisation) on Human Relationships- individual, social, community etc Unforeseen events New threats and vulnerabilities ……..Policies/strategies in place to tackles these barriers that would hinder ICT’s drive to green economy………

Recommendations Political will Research and innovation Policies, frameworks and strategies Affordable access and availability of broadband to all Promotion of renewable energy Enhance intergovernmental/inter-sectoral collaboration Subsidies for adoption to “Greener ICT” solutions Attract investment Research and innovation Capacity building Awareness Benchmark on best practices