The Role of Information and Communication Technologies in Global Sustainability: A Review

This article discusses ways in which ICTs contribute to several aspects of global sustainability. We examine how economic development, education, energy, environment, and transportation at the country level benefit from ICTs, along with several orders of effects on global sustainability. We also examine rebound effects. The anecdotal and theoretical research suggests that the impact of ICTs is felt primarily in sustainable development. We thus identify the key challenges to be addressed in bringing about an ICTs-based sustainable world. Studying the macro impacts of ICT investments can also guide countries in setting policy and making selective investments in ICTs that will promote global sustainability.