The technology needed to cut the world’s greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2050 already exists, a statement issued by 11 of the world’s largest engineering organizations says–but not the governmental commitment to develop and use it.
Technologies for generating electricity from wind, waves and the sun, growing biofuels sustainably, producing zero emissions transport, building low carbon structures and conserving energy have been demonstrated, the statement says.
“While the world’s politicians have been locked in talks with no output, engineers across the globe have been busy developing technologies that can bring down emissions and help create a more stable future for the planet,” said Colin Brown, director of engineering at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in Britain. “We are now overdue for government commitment, with ambitious, concrete emissions targets that give the right signals to industry, so they can be rolled out on a global scale.”
The engineering organizations issuing the statement are based in Europe, Asia, Australia and Central America. The United States was not represented.