Information Technology

The rapid proliferation of information technologies is creating new challenges and opportunities for building a sustainable world. On one hand, toxic chemicals are widely used to make electronic instruments, and often end up polluting air and water. But information technologies can also reduce environmental impact by substituting data for materials and energy, as digital cameras do in their use of computer chips rather than film. Moreover, satellite images and geographic information systems help researchers to identify and solve a host of environmental problems. And the Web and email help activists and researchers to collaborate on environmental problems. Worldwatch research documents the impact of technology on sustainability, and suggests ways to ensure that technology works in favor of sustainability.