Abstract

ABSTRACT

There is a pressing need for reduction in global emissions of greenhouse gases. The extent of the reduction needed, at least 60% globally, has challenging implications for our future lifestyles and our use of energy, and for the ability of all countries to cooperate internationally. We already have a number of renewable and other low-carbon energy technologies. To achieve sufficient emission reductions, we need to develop further technologies that are so successful that they could be termed “disruptive”. Our everyday purchasing decisions need to reflect a new set of imperatives. And sustainable solutions need to be in place for the world’s emerging economies to use; as their solutions of choice. The UK has taken a prominent position in addressing these issues. We will all start to notice the effects in the next year or two. We can look ahead to some of the changes that will be involved; within the UK and internationally.

BIOGRAPHY

After an earlier career in the oil industry, John Buckley has been working with the international business development of UK companies in renewable energy for over 10 years. He has seen the business drivers for the use of renewables evolve from aid and rural development objectives, through energy independence ambitions, to concern about climate change and the contribution that renewables can make to the constraint of greenhouse gas emissions. He has worked with numerous countries in the early stages of their use of modern renewables. In his address, John will offer his perspective on the use of renewables and on national and international issues affecting their adoption and that of other methods of emissions constraint.