Technologies to fight climate change

With its CO2 Emissions Trading Scheme in place, Europe has resolutely opted for a ‘market pull’ approach to bring clean technologies onto the market in the short run. However, politicians realise new breakthrough technologies are also needed if deeper emission cuts are to be achieved in the long run (2020-2050 and beyond). This ‘technology push’ approach is currently championed by the US, which has put in place large-scale R&D programmes with impressive budgets. However, in the absence of a viable long term alternative (e.g. hydrogen), it appears that a mix of solutions, including energy efficiency, alternative fuels and nuclear power will be called into play. The question now is how to roll out these technologies to developing nations.
euractiv