UN calls for major investment in ‘green’ technologies

Enviromine

Publishing Date: 08 Jul 2011 11:37am GMT
Author: Mining, People and the Environment

Environmental Change Legal and Legislation Sustainability Ecology & Biodiversity

A new report by the UN has warned of an immediate need for a fundamental technological overhaul to end poverty and avoid a worldwide environmental catastrophe.

The report said major investment will be needed to increase the use of clean-energy technologies around the world.

“Over the next 40 years US$1.9 trillion per year will be needed for incremental investment in green technologies,” the report said.

“Business as usual is not an option,” said Rob Vos, lead author of the report. “Even if we stop the global engines of growth now, resource depletion and pollution of our natural environment would continue because of existing production methods and consumption habits. Without drastic improvements in and diffusion of green technologies, we will not reverse the ongoing ecological destruction and secure a decent livelihood for all of humankind, now and in the future.”

At present around 90% of global energy is generated through the use of fossil fuels including coal.

The outcome of the report could have implications for the uranium, lithium and rare-earth sectors, however, all of which are integral to the move towards green-energy technology.