Climate Change and Green Technology: Beyond Emission Mitigations
摘要
Green technologies emerge as humanity is trying to forge sustainable pathways out of the intertwined crises of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. This chapter places these technologies in two broad categories and explores the emission mitigation technologies (EMTs) and the negative emission technologies (NETs), delineating their complementary roles in achieving global climate targets. EMTs such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and electrification of transportation address the root causes of emissions, while NETs like direct air capture and enhanced weathering provide solutions for atmospheric carbon removal. The chapter underscores the critical stages of technology development, from ideation to market adoption, analyzing them through the lenses of the S-curve and the Hype Cycle models. The discussion extends to the financing of these technologies, highlighting innovative mechanisms, including green bonds, public–private partnerships, and climate innovation funds, tailored to different stages of technological maturity. Amid the slow-burning urgency of the climate crisis, the chapter advocates for a strategic balance between EMTs and NETs, recognizing their distinct timelines and challenges. It calls for integrated approaches, leveraging corporate responsibility, regulatory alignment, and robust financial strategies. This comprehensive exploration offers a blueprint for accelerating the transition to a net-zero future, addressing both immediate and long-term climate imperatives.