Climate Change and Technology

Progressively over the latter stages of the 20th Century it was realised that human induced changes to the composition of the atmosphere had the potential to change the world’s climate in ways that would have adverse consequences for mankind.

The Third Assessment Report of the United Nations International Panel on Climate Change (UN IPCC) in 2001 stated:

“There is new and stronger evidence that most of the warming observed over the last 50 years is attributable to human activities”.

Whatever the debates of the past, the major countries of the world have now accepted the need for action, as shown in the core statement of the “Gleaneagles Statement” which was issued by the G8 leaders in mid 2005:

“We face serious and linked challenges in tackling climate change, promoting clean energy and achieving sustainable development globally.”

Climate change has already occurred (0.6° C above pre-industrial levels) and further changes are unavoidable as the earth’s energy equilibrium gradually realigns itself to the current atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases. The challenge is to lower the carbon intensity of the world’s energy supply so that more people can have access to on-demand affordable energy while limiting the adverse consequences of climate change.

In the short to medium term it is inevitable that greenhouse gas emissions will increase, as we have few alternatives to fossil fuels to supply the world’s appetite for energy. In the longer term it is likely that a combination of more advanced technologies will significantly improve energy efficiency and provide lower carbon intensity.

The Monash Energy Project is pushing forward with technological solutions that will play a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.