technology's vital role

As nations have begun to consider other options for reducing GHG emissions beyond the Kyoto Protocol, there is a growing interest in the role technology can play in emissions reduction. For example, the recently announced Asia Pacific Partnership for Clean Development and Climate aims to promote the use of clean, efficient technology. The latest G8 statement and the EU-China Climate Partnership also highlight the importance of using and developing innovative technologies. The focus on technology development and deployment is supported by the recognition that:

• The more widespread application of existing energy efficient technologies could significantly reduce the growth in greenhouse gas emissions from economic progress in both the industrialized and the developing world.
• Development and deployment of new energy efficient technologies can enable lower energy consumption without damage to economic growth.
• New breakthrough technologies offer the possibility of substantial long-term reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at lower costs than current technology options.