IT Industry looks for Inclusion in Copenhagen Talks

As the United Nations Climate Change Conference fast approaches, the IT industry is revving up their case for IT’s inclusion in the talks. It’s previously been stated that the IT industry will be mentioned in the draft climate treaty, but now the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) is asking for a more specific clause that sees the IT industry included in the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).

The CDM is a an arrangement created during the Kyoto Protocol that allows developing countries to receive carbon credits or Certified Emissions Reductions (CERs) for emission-reduction projects. The credits or CERs can then be sold to wealthier governments or businesses for profit, therefore lowering carbon emissions and stimulating developing nation’s economies.

The ITU is asking that green IT projects be included in the CDM initiative. As we now have overwhelming evidence showing us how the IT industry negatively affects the environment (a common fact being that the IT industry creates as much carbon emissions as the airline industry), there is no reason green IT initiatives should be excluded from the CDM initiative.

If what the ITU is asking for happens in Copenhagen, we very well might be on our way to a more green IT industry. As IT companies are quickly realizing the investment potential in many developing countries, this new treaty could ensure that any new IT projects have an incentive to include green initiatives.

The United Nations Climate Change Conference takes place December 7 – 18 in Copenhagen, Dk.