Industry body NZTech has announced the launch of a landmark report, 'Technology for Emissions Reduction: A Framework for Aotearoa's Climate Technology Roadmap', which highlights the pivotal role technology could play in reducing emissions and driving environmental sustainability. The report was launched by Hon Simon Watts, the Minister of Climate Change at a gathering at Sparks Innovation Studio in Auckland.
NZTech Chief Eexecutive Officer, Graeme Muller commented on the urgent need for a climate technology roadmap that aligns with the country's emissions reduction objectives. Muller stated "As we navigate the complexities of climate change, embracing a diverse range of technologies is becoming increasingly important.
"Tech can contribute to reducing emissions, promoting sustainability and driving economic growth. However, our research shows a clear need for a climate technology roadmap that integrates tech and the country's emissions reduction objective," he said.
Muller continued to speak on the pivotal role of technology in sustainability, which covers a wide range of sectors - basic connectivity, digital technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), ClimateTech, and biotech. He explained, "Digital technologies like data analytics and AI systems can enable better energy management. IoT can help us monitor activities in our natural and built environments, enabling us to make the right interventions at the right time. ClimateTech includes technologies from electric vehicles (EVs) to renewable energy storage systems to low-carbon cement, while biotech solutions have wide applications in agriculture and waste management."
The report serves as a further commitment from NZTech to cooperate with industry, Government, and other partners to achieve a sustainable future through tech innovation. Muller warned that the ramifications of not reducing emissions faster could see New Zealand paying billions of dollars before 2030 to meet international commitments.
NZTech said the report underscores the need to leverage technology to enable New Zealand's climate strategy and the importance of a climate technology roadmap. However, Muller pointed out that technology is simply one component of the equation. To fully leverage the benefits of technology, it is also necessary to ensure the appropriate enablers are in place, including skills, capital, uptake and industry partnership.
Muller also spoke to the economic growth opportunity this represents for New Zealand. With the global valuation of ClimateTech currently at $20 billion and projected to reach $100 billion by 2030, a robust and effective climate tech roadmap could signal increased private sector investment. Muller said, "This is also a significant economic growth opportunity for New Zealand."
The report, 'Technology for Emissions Reduction: A Framework for Aotearoa's Climate Technology Roadmap', was published with support from the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), the Ministry for the Environment (MfE), the Climate Change Chief Executives Board, and Spark New Zealand.