ICTs, the Internet and Sustainability: A discussion paper

This discussion paper examines the intersection of sustainability and the rapid evolution of information and communications technologies (ICTs) and the Internet over the 20 years following the first Rio conference. It specifically questions how the information and communications revolution necessitates a change in the understanding of sustainability across the global economy, society, and environment.

• The document identifies a need to re-evaluate the concept of sustainability due to the transformations in culture, politics, society, and the economy caused by the spread of the Internet and ICTs.
• The text mentions a study regarding the feasibility of solar-powered electric cookers used in conjunction with irrigation systems and their subsequent effect on social inclusion and gender equality within rural households in Kenya.
• The report investigates methods for transitioning to renewable energy systems while maintaining the livelihoods of local populations, the health of the land, and ecosystem functions.

APA

Souter,, D. (2012). ICTs, the Internet and Sustainability: A discussion paper. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/articles/policy-analysis/icts-internet-and-sustainability-discussion-paper

Chicago

Souter,, David. ICTs, the Internet and Sustainability: A discussion paper. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2012. https://www.iisd.org/articles/policy-analysis/icts-internet-and-sustainability-discussion-paper.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Souter, |first1=David |title=ICTs, the Internet and Sustainability: A discussion paper |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=28 May 2012 |url=https://www.iisd.org/articles/policy-analysis/icts-internet-and-sustainability-discussion-paper |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{souter2012icts, author = {Souter,, David}, title = {{ICTs, the Internet and Sustainability: A discussion paper}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2012}, month = may, url = {https://www.iisd.org/articles/policy-analysis/icts-internet-and-sustainability-discussion-paper}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }