Awareness of information and communication technology induced climate change and the developing countries

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is central to every aspect of our lives and it has influenced peoples’ lives positively and negatively. The objective of this study is three fold: To explore how ICT contributes to carbon footprint generation. To determine how carbon footprint influence climate change. Thirdly suggest ways that can be used to reduce carbon footprint caused by ICT disposal. In this narrative review paper the online databases were searched for literature including grey literature. Papers included in this narrative reviews were written in English only. Hand searches of the references of retrieved literature was also conducted. ICT contributes to the production of carbon footprint. The amount of produced carbon footprint traps the heat in the atmosphere thereby raising the global temperature. Most people in the developing countries are not aware of how ICT contributes to global warming and climate change. Good side of ICT is that it can also act as “reducing agent” of carbon footprint generated itself and by other industries. Global warming and cause of climate change, is due to human made activities. For example, hazardous emissions of e-waste to the environment are man-made. People in developing countries are unaware about climate change, global warming and harmful effects of e-waste to the environment. To minimise carbon footprint generated by e-waste during disposal, this paper suggests proper management strategies. Formal recycling is identified as safer management strategy and friendly to the environment relative to informal recycling.