Experts from industry, government and the universities are to meet at symposia in Japan and the UK to assess how information and communication technology (ICT) can be used to combat climate change. The International Symposia on ICTand Climate Change will take place in Kyoto from April 15th to 16th and in London from June 17th to 18th. Hamadoun Toure, secretary general of the UN International Telecommunication Union (ITU), organiser of the event, said: “Climate change is a concern for all of humanity and requires efforts on the part of all sectors of society, including the ICT sector.

“ITU is committed to achieving climate neutrality and to working with our membership to promote the use of ICTs as an effective tool to combat climate change.” The UN estimates information and communication technologies contribute between two and 2.5 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. The world body says energy efficient devices, applications and networks can help ICT to be “a key enabler to a low carbon economy while also promoting growth”. Gareth Johnston, Director of Corporate Risk says that Climate Risk has found commercial opportunities for ICT providers to move well beyond climate neutrality. “Our work demonstrates the role telecommunications providers and technology can play in travel and energy emission avoidance, reduction and smarter living. We look forward to helping other companies and countries begin to respond positively to these opportunities.”