LAGOS: According to a recent report by the Broadband Commission for Digital Development, it was revealed that broadband can help the world transit from high-carbon economy to a low-carbon economy and address the causes and effects of climate change. The theme: The Broadband Bridge: Linking ICT with Climate Action, is the result of work conducted by the Broadband Commission Working Group on Climate Change. It was chaired by President and CEO of Ericsson, Mr. Hans Vestberg, and comprised of several members of the commission, representing industry, international organizations, and Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs). The aim of the report is to raise awareness of the pivotal role that information and communication technology (ICT), particularly broadband networks has in helping creating a low carbon economy of the future. This report further highlights the importance of public private partnerships in accelerating change. It is solely based on interviews, case studies and supporting material from more than 20 leaders and experts in the field. ITU Secretary-General, Hamadoun Touré stated, “Addressing climate change implies completely transforming our way of life, the way we work, the way we travel, shifting our model of development to a fairer, more sustainable model to ensure our survival. We need to put at stake all the resources available to us, and mobilize the political will to turn discussions and negotiations into agreements and actions.” This recent report emphasized the kind of transformative solutions that were enabled by broadband, based on the agreements achieved at the 2011 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP-17).
