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Could Unsustainable Electronics Support Sustainability?

Author

Listed:
  • Nicolas Moreau

    (IMCN/NAPS, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium)

  • Thibault Pirson

    (ICTEAM/ELEN, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium)

  • Grégoire Le Brun

    (ICTEAM/ELEN, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium)

  • Thibault Delhaye

    (ICTEAM/ELEN, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium)

  • Georgiana Sandu

    (ICTEAM/ELEN, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium)

  • Antoine Paris

    (ICTEAM/ELEN, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium)

  • David Bol

    (ICTEAM/ELEN, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium)

  • Jean-Pierre Raskin

    (ICTEAM/ELEN, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium)

Abstract

Information and communication technologies are often considered by policymakers, industrial stakeholders and scientists as a key lever in the run towards sustainability, since they should ease energy efficiency and dematerialization. In this opinion article, nurtured by the inputs of a broad panel of experts, we challenge this widely spread view by highlighting the detrimental social and environmental footprints caused by digital technologies. We further take a critical look on the ways innovation is conducted nowadays, i.e., with an almost exclusive focus on performance and few considerations for externalities. This leads us to call for academic teaching programs advocating for a holistic approach, for new business models, and for ambitious political decisions able to drive a paradigm shift in the mainstream agenda of electronics innovation and digital transition that shall significantly contribute to the well-being of everyone, everywhere, without compromising future generations. We conclude that digital technologies cannot support long-term sustainability if their only purpose remains the optimization of the current system.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicolas Moreau & Thibault Pirson & Grégoire Le Brun & Thibault Delhaye & Georgiana Sandu & Antoine Paris & David Bol & Jean-Pierre Raskin, 2021. "Could Unsustainable Electronics Support Sustainability?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-7, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:12:p:6541-:d:571133
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Albérico Travassos Rosário & Joana Carmo Dias, 2022. "Sustainability and the Digital Transition: A Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-18, March.

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