NZTech Inform – reducing climate impacts

Enabling digital tech for emission reduction goals

Kia ora,

Last week, the lack of any mention of technology in the Government’s Emission Reduction Plan was acknowledged as a complete oversight according to Minister Shaw.

This comes as Spark released a detailed analysis of how digital technologies could help New Zealand meet its emissions reduction targets. The study finds 7.2 million tonnes (Mt) of CO2 emissions, or 42 percent of the country’s 17 million tonne reductions needed by 2030, could be found by using enabling digital technologies. Among its recommendations is a proposal for digital technologies to be included in national emissions reduction planning in the future.

The Climate Commission’s advice that ‘the technology and the tools Aotearoa needs to reach its climate targets exist today’ was short sighted. Certainly, it is true that great technology already exists around the world for reducing climate impacts, but are they right for New Zealand? The Commission’s comment appeared to have created a perspective in the Government’s emissions reduction plan that we don’t need to be concerned about technology.

For months, our members have been communicating with Ministers and officials of the strong need for a shared Emissions Reduction Technology Roadmap. This will help align the best types of technology investments and accelerate private investment in critical technologies. The report also highlighted further digital opportunities and the longer term potential for biotechnology too.

A collaborative approach with industry, the tech ecosystem and Government will help identify technology pathways that will work best for Aotearoa. A clear roadmap will help develop some of the tech we will need in the future, right here in New Zealand for New Zealand.

If you haven’t already registered, please join me at our next NZTech Connect Event in Wellington on 17 November, Strengthening the Government and Tech Relationship. I will host a panel discussion with some folk from the Government and Capgemini. We will also receive an update from the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) on the Marketplace and other initiatives.

Meanwhile, check out the new programme, Cyber Skills Aotearoa. Lower Hutt’s Naenae College is the first school to test the programme.

Have a great week.

Ngā mihi
Graeme Muller
CEO
NZTech