Green technology

As environmental issues climb higher and higher up the political agenda, so does interest in developing technologies that can turn green goals into reality. The term ‘green technology’ is today used to describe a wide range of existing and potential projects that aim to cut greenhouse gas emissions, clean up pollution, reduce energy demand or protect biodiversity.

Questions remain as to what defines a green technology. Supporters of genetic modification argue that this branch of biotechnology, with its potential to reduce pesticide use and the need for intensive farming practices, and lower the amount of land needed to produce food crops, is very green. Environmental activists disagree, arguing that genetic modification is in itself a threat to the environment.

There is disagreement too over whether green technologies are always a force for good. In particular, imposing specific development criteria on poor countries - often the fastest growing source of pollution - raises a host of ethical questions.

Still, EU politicians, industry and consumers are looking for the most promising green technology sectors in Europe. The European Commission has repeatedly argued that taking the lead in developing environmentally friendly products and services will give the EU a competitive advantage.

A series of EU targets, both binding and voluntary, have increased the pressure to find green solutions. The automotive and electronics industries are just two of the sectors faced with challenges, if they are to honour EU expectations and regulations.

Most recently, governments agreed to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020, increasing EU interest in technologies that could promote energy efficiency or renewable power.

Every sector now has a green eye looking over its shoulder.

A report from CIAA, the European food and drink association, this Friday (26 October) will set out ways technologies could - and in some cases already do - bring environmental improvements in the food production chain. Examples given include the use of potato by-products to generate electricity.

In addition to the resources being spent by national governments and industries in the hunt for effective green technologies, the EU has its own multi-billion euro fund available for research that ranges from solar power to mushrooms.

Politicians and businesses today are working to prove that they can pay back any investment in environmentalism, through the creation of a new, economically viable green technology sector.

As environmental issues climb higher and higher up the political agenda, so does interest in developing technologies that can turn green goals into reality. The term ‘green technology’ is today used to describe a wide range of existing and potential projects that aim to cut greenhouse gas emissions, clean up pollution, reduce energy demand or protect biodiversity.