Decision-making under environmental complexity: the need for moving from avoided impacts of ICT solutions to systems thinking approaches - Archive ouverte HAL
Communication Dans Un Congrès Année : 2024

Decision-making under environmental complexity: the need for moving from avoided impacts of ICT solutions to systems thinking approaches

Résumé

The indirect impacts of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on the environment (whether positive or negative) have been extensively discussed in academic and industrial literature, particularly within the ICT4S community. However, a lack of consensus exists in academia on how to assess them, especially in the context of decision-making processes. This paper examines whether ‘net impacts accounting’ methods are suitable for decision-making and suggests alternative approaches. We begin by clarifying different scenarios within the context of environmental decision- making. Then, we assess their relevance across those different decision scenarios. We emphasize their inadequate response to uncertainties, their focus on solutions rather than problems, and their inability to inspire a range of decisions compatible with an environmental transition. Drawing insights from systems thinking, we finally suggest methods and tools that could be combined to better address the complexity surrounding environmental decision-making. Throughout the paper, we develop the case study of Vinted – a second-hand clothing resale platform – to illustrate our arguments. The contribution advocates for a more systemic approach that embraces complexity by employing mixed methods, encompassing both qualitative and quantitative perspectives.
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Dates et versions

hal-04637677 , version 1 (08-07-2024)

Identifiants

  • HAL Id : hal-04637677 , version 1

Citer

David Ekchajzer, Laetitia Bornes, Jacques Combaz, Catherine Letondal, Rob Vingerhoeds. Decision-making under environmental complexity: the need for moving from avoided impacts of ICT solutions to systems thinking approaches. ICT4S 2024 : International Conference on ICT for Sustainability, Jun 2024, Stockholm, Sweden. ⟨hal-04637677⟩
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