Sustainable development and ICT interpreted in a natural science context
| Title | Sustainable development and ICT interpreted in a natural science context |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2010 |
| Authors | Hilty, LM, Ruddy TF |
| Journal Title | Information, Communication & Society |
| Volume | 13 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 7 — 22 |
| Keywords | Dematerialization, information society, material flow, societal metabolism, sustainability |
| Abstract | Sustainable development (SD) is a political concept with a strong normative component. In this article, we show which implications follow from this normative component if it is interpreted in a natural science context. We conclude that from a natural science point of view, a far-reaching dematerialization of consumption is a necessary condition for SD. We further conclude that information and communication technologies can only support SD if they are applied as enablers of dematerialized (less material-intensive) types of consumption. Macro-level data on consumption shows, however, that average material flows per capita are still increasing. In this problematical situation, we see a need for framework conditions that provide incentives for dematerialization and specialized research on the psychosocial conditions on the basis of which consumption patterns could evolve towards a more dematerialized economy. |
| URL | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13691180903322805 |
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