Green ICTs Potential in Emerging Economies

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are rapidly growing and have major influence, directly or indirectly, in all fields of activity. Globally, there is a favorable attitude of their expansion, manifested by supporting innovation in ICTs, but also stimulating consumption, due to the favorable economic impact. They have clearly contributed to both economic evolutions of developed countries and to obtain significant performance, often unexpected, in emerging ones. In terms of the environment, ICTs are both friends and enemies. Concerns in this direction led national and international organizations to promote the concept of green ICTs. This aims to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of ICTs by minimizing or eliminating their negative effects on the environment. This paper studies the impact of ICTs in emerging economies and identifies financial and non-financial benefits of migrating to green ICTs, both in production and consumption stages.