Clean cooking technologies, information, and communication technology and the environment

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Economics
• Technology Policy

Background:

• Growing concern over energy consumption from Information and Communication Technology (ICT) devices.
• ICT sector's significant carbon footprint necessitates inclusion in greenhouse gas reduction strategies.
• Widespread ICT adoption across all economic sectors amplifies its environmental impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the direct and indirect effects of ICT on ecological impact in E7 economies.
• To analyze the influence of clean cooking fuel, trade, population, and renewable energy on ICT's environmental footprint.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for sustainable ICT development and energy policies.

Main Methods:

• Driscoll-Kraay Panel Corrected Estimators applied to E7 economies (Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, Turkey) from 2000-2020.
• Analysis of ICT proxies: internet penetration and mobile subscriptions.
• Inclusion of control variables: population, renewable energy, trade, and clean cooking access.

Main Results:

• ICT proxies (internet penetration, mobile subscriptions) showed a significant negative relationship with carbon emissions in E7 economies.
• Access to clean cooking fuel and technologies, along with renewable energy, reduced emission levels.
• Trade openness and population growth were found to increase carbon emissions.

Conclusions:

• E7 economies can leverage increased internet usage and ICT to effectively lower carbon emissions.
• Expanding renewable energy utilization and access to clean cooking solutions are crucial for mitigating environmental impact.
• Policy interventions should balance ICT growth with sustainable energy practices to reduce the ecological footprint.