ICT industry to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45 per cent by 2030

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) published a new standard that requires the industry of information and communication technology (ICT) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45 per cent by 2030 in line with the Paris Agreement. The standard will support ICT companies in reducing GHG emissions at the rate necessary to meet the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°c above pre-industrial levels. The proposed emission-reduction targets were endorsed by the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi). “This new ITU standard offers authoritative guidance on the pathway towards net zero emissions for the ICT industry. The standard is an example of what can be achieved with good collaboration between key partners. It represents a significant contribution to the international effort in pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao.