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Impacts of ICT on the natural ecosystem: A grassroot analysis for promoting socio-environmental sustainability

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  • Bekaroo, Girish
  • Bokhoree, Chandradeo
  • Pattinson, Colin

Abstract

As human beings are becoming increasingly dependent on technology, the relationship of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) with the natural environment is continuously degrading. In the past, ICT was often regarded as a low-carbon enabler but its widespread adoption has adversely turned it into a power drainer. The negative consequence is climate change, which is a complex social problem with rebound effects on human beings. Taking cognizance of this problem, it is becoming vital for each and every computer user to contribute and reduce the growing carbon footprint of ICT. This work identifies and analyses the key contributors in diminishing the carbon footprint of ICT before investigating into the adoption process by end users via a proposed Knowledge-Implementation-Effect Cycle. The relationship between the key contributors and the adoption process by end users is studied via nine research questions to identify key limitations and finally recommend potential solutions to further help in reducing the ICT carbon footprint.

Suggested Citation

  • Bekaroo, Girish & Bokhoree, Chandradeo & Pattinson, Colin, 2016. "Impacts of ICT on the natural ecosystem: A grassroot analysis for promoting socio-environmental sustainability," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 57(C), pages 1580-1595.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:57:y:2016:i:c:p:1580-1595
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2015.12.147
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    1. Yashna Beeharry & Girish Bekaroo & Devina Bussoopun & Chandradeo Bokhoree & Michael Robert Phillips, 2021. "Perspectives of leisure operators and tourists on the environmental impacts of coastal tourism activities: a case study of Mauritius," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 23(7), pages 10702-10726, July.
    2. Sun, Hongye & Kim, Giseung, 2021. "The composite impact of ICT industry on lowering carbon intensity: From the perspective of regional heterogeneity," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 66(C).
    3. Ana Salomé García-Muñiz & María Rosalía Vicente, 2021. "The Effects of Informational Feedback on the Energy Consumption of Online Services: Some Evidence for the European Union," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-14, May.
    4. Broccardo, Laura & Truant, Elisa & Dana, Léo-Paul, 2023. "The interlink between digitalization, sustainability, and performance: An Italian context," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 158(C).
    5. Ravishankar Sharma & Aijaz A. Shaikh & Stephen Bekoe & Gautam Ramasubramanian, 2021. "Information, Communications and Media Technologies for Sustainability: Constructing Data-Driven Policy Narratives," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-21, March.
    6. Ali, Mohammad Afshar & Alam, Khorshed & Taylor, Brad & Rafiq, Shuddhasattwa, 2020. "Does ICT maturity catalyse economic development? Evidence from a panel data estimation approach in OECD countries," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 68(C), pages 163-174.
    7. Zhang, Wenqiu & Zhao, Junli, 2023. "Digital transformation, environmental disclosure, and environmental performance: An examination based on listed companies in heavy-pollution industries in China," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 87(C), pages 505-518.
    8. Wang, Jen Chun, 2022. "Understanding the energy consumption of information and communications equipment: A case study of schools in Taiwan," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 249(C).
    9. Radonjič, Gregor & Tompa, Saša, 2018. "Carbon footprint calculation in telecommunications companies – The importance and relevance of scope 3 greenhouse gases emissions," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 98(C), pages 361-375.
    10. Liu, Jun & Liu, Liang & Qian, Yu & Song, Shunfeng, 2022. "The effect of artificial intelligence on carbon intensity: Evidence from China's industrial sector," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 83(C).
    11. Tekic, Zeljko & Tekic, Anja, 2024. "Complex patterns of ICTs' effect on sustainable development at the national level: The triple bottom line perspective," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 198(C).

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