Published: 2008 Type: Intellect report Area: Energy and environment
Summary
The three most critical environmental challenges facing society today are climate change, resource degradation and pollution. At the heart of all three is energy efficiency and this is the area where the technology sector can make the most positive contribution.
This report looks at the role of technology in tackling climate change, the progress we have made to date and the significant challenges we, as a sector and stakeholder, face ahead.
The questions we are constantly asked by media, government and consumers focus on the energy efficiency of our products. What receive less attention are the beneficial environmental effects of technology across the whole economy, which are reducing energy consumption and emissions whilst improving productivity and competitiveness: a positive contribution that is too often forgotten or simply taken for granted.
Understanding where we are as a sector is vital if we are to take a lead in tackling climate change in the future. Intellect is therefore working with the University of Warwick to develop more systematic approaches to measuring our emissions.
This report must help to kick-start further collaboration between industry, government and citizens. Much good work has already been done by other organisations and companies, for instance, the CBI’s Climate Change Task Force report ‘Climate Change – everyone’s business’ is helping to set clear targets for UK business.
We have also initiated work with other partners outside the UK and a European version of this paper will be published by EICTA, the Brussels-based industry association representing the technology sector in Europe. A German version will also be published by BITKOM, our German counterpart and we intend to collaborate with both organisations in meeting our commitments.
We are only at the beginning of a long process in tackling climate change but we are building momentum. There is no doubt that technology has a positive role to play in meeting the challenge and this report makes it clear how we can do it.
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