Climate and Environmental Strategy for the ICT Sector

Abstract

The Ministry of Transport and Communications appointed a working group in November 2019 to draw up a climate and environmental strategy for the information and communication technology sector (ICT sector). The task of the working group was to establish a common view on the climate and environmental impacts of the ICT sector in Finland and to recommend means to manage the impacts. The working group published an interim report that gave a broad and comprehensive picture of the situation in terms of the climate and environmental impacts of the ICT sector in June 2020 and the final report including recommendations for measures in November 2020. To ensure a broad-based view, the final report was circulated for comments before the strategy was finalised.

The purpose of the national Climate and Environmental Strategy for the ICT Sector is to promote ecologically sustainable digitalisation and support the achievement of climate and environmental objectives. The Strategy presents recommendations for measures related to a climate- and environment-friendly ICT infrastructure and data economy, sustainable material flows and a circular economy, expanding the knowledge base and developing the measurement framework, enhancing consumer awareness and expertise, and utilising emerging technologies and responding to challenges.