According to a joint statement by eleven of the world’s largest engineering organisations, we already have the technology to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2050. Collectively these organisations represent over 1.2 million engineers spanning four continents.

The statement says that generating electricity from wind, waves and the sun, growing sustainable biofuels, zero-emissions transport, low-carbon buildings and energy efficiency technologies have all been demonstrated.  However, these technologies are not being developed for wide-scale deployment fast enough and there is a desperate need for financial and legislative support from governments around the world if they are to fulfil their potential.

This joint statement was the product of the biennial Future Climate 2 conference held on 22-23 September 2011 at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.