NextGenWeb is currently in the Capitol attending a Center for American Progress Action Fund event on climate change. Speakers that I can see include Bracken Hendricks from the Center, Kathy Brown, a Senior VP with Verizon and Congresswoman Hilda Solis (D-CA 32). The discussion today will focus on technology, energy efficiency and how broadband can reduce our carbon footprint.
Other panelists here include Steven Hauser, Gridpoint and Laura Ipsen from Cisco €¦ Congresswoman Solis just spoke €¦ she said we’ve seen the industrial revolution now it’s time for the green revolution €¦ a common theme we’re hearing is how green jobs, whether it be telecommuting or working in a “green” building have huge economic benefits, all while reducing and in some cases (telecommuting) eliminating our carbon footprint. Much of the discussion thus far has focused on the business case for e-working, approaching the green power of ICT with market-based solutions in order to achieve maximum environmental benefits.
Kathy Brown began her remarks by saying “I often open these environmental conversations by saying I’m from Verizon!” And people say, “What are you doing here?” It was pretty funny, got a rise from the audience. But her point was clear, that she wants to change that perception b/c Verizon is a fundamental part of this discussion, supporting clean energy and deploying the fiber that makes telecommuting such a positive experience. She also expanded upon the point that broadband and information technology are PART of the answer to global warming. She said these two things alone can reduce global carbon dioxide emissions by 15-20% in little more than 10 years - if we maximize the use of broadband and information technology. It’s a broadband world, she said. Revolutionizing how we should think about transportation, health care, education.
Laura Ipsen just wrapped up commentary on green options in the home and really delved into how telepresence and video conferencing have helped to reduce hazardous emissions into the environment €¦ less flights across the globe while still achieving a face-to-face human experience with colleagues and clients is a great thing, for business and the environment €¦. Steve Hauser from GridPoint talked about the challenges of decarbonizing a heavily carbon-based economy, he highlighted the Smart Grid platform which aligns the interest of electric utilities, consumers and the environment. He discussed the huge market oppotunity that exists to help make the transition from a carbon-based power economy to a connected/green economy and society.
We’re going to be hearing a lot about energy solutions, especially as we get into a heavily political season. But it shouldn’t start and stop with a presidential election. Yes, whichever Senator is elected will have the bullypulpit to drive the discussion on how we can create a greener America, a greener world. But what I took away from today were the things we as individuals can do to significantly reduce the the effects of global warming. That broadband and information technology are keys on the key chain that can unlock the answers to solving our environmental challenges.
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July 20th, 2008 at 10:13 am
[...] is another interesting link to a great blog about broadband and climate [...]