We have the technology… but better data needed for net zero
Better quality real-time data on the CO2 emitted by the built environment will be needed by government and industry if they are to deliver on their COP26 pledges according to an IT industry survey.
The survey, conducted by the UK’s Chartered Institute for IT (BCS), found that 71% of technology experts polled were not confident that key departments and policy makers have the right data to achieve net zero.
“Hitting the deadline for net zero will mean gathering detailed, real-time data on everything that generates CO2, from vehicles, to homes to offices,” the BCS said in a statement.
The institute said that although the recent UK Government Budget announced record investment in research and development, there is a need for clarity on how government plans to use this to fund the software, infrastructure technology and to grow the data science industry to the levels needed to understand the data.
“There is huge potential in existing digital technology to cut carbon emissions and reach vital targets – but we need better, richer data and far more qualified data scientists to do this,” said Alex Bardell who chairs the BCS’ Green IT Specialist Group.
Data needed on all CO2-emitting processes according to BCS
“Reaching Net Zero in time will involve gathering data about every single process on the planet that generates CO2, including in cars, trains, homes and in every office.”
Bardell added that the trends and spikes in the data are essential to decide the best way to save the planet as quickly as possible while building a sustainable economy and quality of life.
“Otherwise, the only way we’ll know what’s going on is when the next extreme weather event wipes out our towns and countryside,” he added.
Nearly a third of the 50% carbon emissions reductions the UK needs to make by 2030 could be achieved through digital technology that already exists, according to a Royal Society report, the BCS pointed out.
