Technology is critical for human development and progress. The fight against climate change will not be won without a revolution in the use of existing low-carbon technologies and a tidal wave of new inventions. Yet, the importance of doing so, especially in healing the rifts in international climate negotiations, is not yet being recognised.
The Global Climate Network asked more than 100 experts from government, private sector firms, academic institutions, and non-governmental organisations in eight countries (Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, India, Nigeria, South Africa, and the United States) for their views on the barriers to the “development and transfer” of low-carbon technology. Their responses are detailed and complex, but below we draw together our key findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
Success at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties meeting in Copenhagen in December depends on agreement being reached in each of the five areas currently under negotiation. But without a firm commitment to developing and transferring new technologies, with industrialised countries taking the lead in financing these endeavours, consensus will be difficult to reach.
In practical terms, emissions will be difficult to reduce without such commitments, at least without imposing unacceptable penalties on human development, social cohesion, and economic wellbeing.
