ICT Sector Greenhouse Gas Emissions -- Issues and Trends

TL;DR

This paper discusses the challenges in estimating ICT sector greenhouse gas emissions, proposes a framework for better assessment, and emphasizes the need for industry transparency and detailed data to improve accuracy.

Contribution

It introduces a new framework for estimating ICT emissions and highlights key issues hindering accurate measurement and reporting.

Findings

More detailed industry data is needed for accurate emissions estimates.

Transparency in energy and emissions reporting is crucial.

Expert insights reveal complexities in ICT emissions assessment.

Abstract

As Information and Communication Technology (ICT) use has become more prevalent, there has been a growing concern in how its associated greenhouse gas emissions will impact the climate. Estimating such ICT emissions is a difficult undertaking due to its complexity, its rapidly changing nature, and the lack of accurate and up-to-date data on individual stakeholder emissions. In this paper we provide a framework for estimating ICT's carbon footprint and identify some of the issues that impede the task. We attempt to gain greater insight into the factors affecting the ICT sector by drawing on a number of interviews with industry experts. We conclude that more accurate emissions estimates will only be possible with a more more detailed, industry informed, understanding of the whole ICT landscape and much more transparent reporting of energy usage and emissions data by ICT stakeholders.