31 October 2008: The World Telecommunication Standardization
Assembly of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which took place
in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 21-30 October 2008, adopted a resolution
whereby ITU members will work towards reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions arising from the use of information and communication technologies
(ICT).

The resolution also recognizes that such technologies can help mitigate
the effects of climate change by limiting and reducing emissions across all
industry sectors. It further acknowledges that the ITU has committed to
achieving climate neutrality within three years. ITU estimates that ICTs
contribute around 2 to 2.5% of global GHG emissions, and that this share is
likely to increase as ICTs become more widely available. The meeting brought
together 768 delegates, including 13 ministers or vice-ministers from 99
countries. [ITU
Press Release] [UN
Press Release]