How high tech could deal with global warming

The high-tech industry over the next dozen years could be a big contributor to global warming, according to a report released today – or, it could play a major role in cutting emissions.

Depending on how they manage their businesses and what types of products they produce, communications and information technology companies could reduce global emissions of carbon dioxide by 2020 by 15 percent, close to what some scientists and economists say is needed for the world to avoid dangerous climate change, the study said.

The 90-page report was funded by the Climate Group, an international nonprofit, and the Global e-Sustainability Initiative, a group of high-tech companies and environmental groups whose members include Google, Cisco, Hewlett-Packard, Sun Microsystems, Intel and Microsoft. The institute also works with the United Nations. McKinsey provided analysis and some data.

San Francisco Chronicle