Enabling the 98%: The role of Sustainable IT in the modern Computer Science syllabus

Abstract

Abstract Sustainability is a theme of increasing global prominence. The ICT sector is responding in two important ways. The first is to reduce its own carbon footprint, estimated at 2% of global emissions. The second is to concentrate on the rest of the economy (the 98%) and to produce innovative products and services that have a positive sustainability impact. In this position paper I show that various sustainability perspectives allow us to embed the paradigm across the whole computer science curriculum, and to use this work to deepen links with other disciplines. We should avoid getting drawn into climate science debates that will detract from the value Sustainable IT can add to our students’ education. Nevertheless, sustainability offers an opportunity for us to engage the next generation of technologists and policy makers and equip them with the skills they will need to compete in the low carbon economy.