IT Solutions Key to Preserving Natural Resources, Says Minister (3)

Published: 12.03.2012 09:59

Keit Pentus ( Photo: Postimees/Scanpix )

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Making the switch to high-tech methods is vital for preserving natural resources, Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus said at an EU environmental ministers’ meeting in Brussels on March 10. 

The meeting's objective was to consolidate the EU's position ahead of Rio+20, the United Nations' worldwide sustainable development conference, which takes place in Brazil this June.

Specifically, Pentus pointed to the series of e-government projects that Estonia has carried out in recent years, all of which, she said, have significantly reduced paperwork and related transport and energy costs. 

“There are a lot of examples of IT solutions implemented in Estonia that are not only fast and convenient, but also contribute significantly to the preservation of natural resources,” Pentus said, adding that Estonia is willing to introduce these solutions to any nation that appreciates sustainable management.

In addition, Estonia’s experience has shown that even less developed countries can successfully build up a nationwide IT-system from scratch, said Pentus. "This will be one of Estonia's main messages in Rio," she said.

Pentus also introduced her EU colleagues to the global cleanup initiative Let’s Do It World, which originated in Estonia. “Sustainable development ideas should not be left only as discussions in conference halls,” said Pentus, adding that the civil initiative, so far joined by 85 countries, is a good example how ordinary people can contribute to preserving the environment. 

 

Ingrid Teesalu

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Comments (3)

  • To Do

    12.03.2012 10:40

    Dear Keit brag less, do more! Here a short tp-do list for you to remember: 1. Introduce sustainable waste management in Estonia. 2. Introduce sustainable forestry manegement in Estonia. 3. Sketch sustainable Energy production beyond oild shale. 4. Change mindset of people of Estonia to act sustainably and reduce the enormous waste of energy. 5. Start to reduce energy consumption from traffic beyond the almost failed electric car flagship. (keywords: public transport - carbon tax) If done, come back and tell me about the myth about saving paperwork by means of IT again.

  • @To Do

    12.03.2012 11:53

    Dictate less and read the bloody news once in a while. Estonia is one of the most forested countries in Europe little is being done to change that fact. Sustainable energy production (notably wind farms) is being pushed to the point where many, including loads of expats, are complaining about it because of its cost. A lot is being done to reduce energy wastage, such as insulating blocks of flats. Most of those old buildings here are energy sieves. And while I was sure the electric car idea would fail, at least this country has tried to do something with its carbon credit funds.

  • @@To Do

    12.03.2012 12:43

    In which country do you live? There is literally no waste management in rural parts of Estonia. RMK does not know how much they cut, plant and has no idea how much forest is growing. Renewable energy makes a tiny split of electric generation. The mindset..., well I was surprised when Eesti energia told me last year that I am the second out of 40.000 people using solely renewable energy solely my county. I acknowledge Insulating blocks project, however funding seems too low to attract people. A project is not judged by "at least we tried" but by its results only!