The irony however is that ICTs also probably provide the most significant opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the carbon footprint in the major industries like energy generation, waste disposal, building and transport. ICTs can help businesses improve the monitoring and management of their energy use through smart metering – making sure consumers control their power usage.
With the natural resources on Earth depleting at a fast rate, alternatives to energy and various other essential fuels need to be found to adequately ensure that all sectors will not be found lacking. ICTs in their various diverse forms can aid in the effective usage and benefit of green technologies.
AT the UN Climate change conference that is scheduled for November 2011 in Durban South Africa, the ITU, a United Nations specialized agency for ICT, plans to urge world leaders to recognise how ICTS can help countries to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. They are calling for acknowledgement on how ICTS can be utilized in monitoring deforestation, crop patterns and other environmental phenomena.
The application areas are not only limited to climate prediction. They stretch even to being ICT solutions that cut emissions across all sectors.
Zimbabwe is not far behind in this. Econet recently showcased a solar shop at the Econet Experience Expo – where renewable energy gadgets were on show. The focus on green technologies such as alternative energy has long been recommended as more cost effective and reliable.
NetOne is now using solar energy to power its base stations – particularly those in the rural areas – to provide telecommunications infrastructure where access to the national electricity grid is limited.
I am sure there are a lot more companies who are investing in green technologies. If they have not started then it is advisable to do so immediately. With the numerous power outages that disrupt productivity and income generation, a centralized focus on a more sustainable future powered by the sun, wind and natural forces is honestly a must.
Post published in: Tech