Carmen Bunzl - Universidad Pontificia Comillas

Chapter 5. Conclusions 246
3.5 Technology
Achieving the expected GHG reductions will require both the
widespread diffusion and adoption of currently available low-carbon
technologies, as well as the development of new technologies.
To stimulate the necessary technological innovation, international
climate policy should create both technology push (public support for
R&D) and market pull incentives.
Technology oriented agreements (TOAs), as complements for carbon
commitments, will certainly be needed; renewable targets, efficiency
improvement, and technology standards must overcome market
imperfections such as low carbon prices, price volatility and uncertainty.
Urgent action is required to implement energy efficiency policies and
the application of existing technologies, including renewables and
nuclear, and the development of newer but established technologies,
including carbon capture and storage.
To be effective, it is indispensable that this approach is extended to
developing countries.
Some key aspects are to manage the large increases in investment and
R&D needed, ensure transfers of technology to developing countries
are done effectively, and globally coordinate complex policies.
Achieving the targets of cutting global emissions by half will require both the
widespread diffusion and adoption of currently available low-carbon
technologies, as well as the development of new technologies. The overall
objective for technology policy is to expand the global market for low-carbon
technology thus providing incentives for needed innovations.
Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería ICAI Carmen Bunzl Boulet Junio 2008