Abstract

There is sufficient scientific evidence to indicate that global warming is due to the rise of atmospheric CO2 resulting from the burning of fossil fuels (Pacala & Socolow, 2004)?. This is one of several significant environmental issues facing every human. We also need to address the degradation of the oceans (The Economist, 2008)?, biodiversity loss (Díaz, Fargione, Chapin, & Tilman, 2006)? , and declining fresh water sources (United Nations, 2006)?. Asteroid strikes have previously resulted in high levels of species extension because of the abrupt climate change created by atmospheric dust (Crowley & North, 1988)?. We could potentially have the same impact as an asteroid if we don’t develop sustainable practices at the individual, organizational, and societal level. We all need to adopt green practices. Scientists and engineers are investigating several solutions to these immense problems (e.g., electric cars, solar panels). Information systems, the greatest force for productivity improvement in the last half century, must play its part in this global problem. We have changed human behavior greatly in the last few decades (e.g., consider the Web, personal computers, and cell phones), and we have the potential to support the shift to a sustainable society. As well as using information systems to improve the efficiency of energy distribution and consuming systems, we can also think of using information systems to change human behavior in a green direction. This panel examines the potential of IS to promote green practices. In particular, we want to introduce the notion that by adding information to energy distribution and consumption systems we can reduce the amount of energy that such systems need to operate. Some new initatives to improve IS management practices in this area will also be described.

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