[Green Technology Column] The Era of Climate Crisis and Green Technology

[ESG Management-Green Technology Column]

The ESG News = Choi Bong-hyeok, columnist

The average temperature on the Earth's surface has risen by 1.2°C compared to the pre-industrial era, and July 2024 was recorded as the hottest month ever. The area of Arctic sea ice has been halved in 40 years, and the heatwaves and floods that swept across Europe and Asia have proven that climate change is no longer a problem of the distant future. Scientists already warn that "the Earth's warning lights" are flashing. In the midst of this crisis, green technology has emerged as a key pillar that goes beyond simple technological innovation to determine the sustainability of human civilization.

While the Industrial Revolution created a myth of growth based on fossil fuels, technologies such as solar panels, hydrogen fuel cells, and artificial photosynthesis are now driving a new paradigm. Tesla is shaking up the transportation industry with the popularization of electric vehicles, Vestas of Denmark is surpassing the limits of renewable energy with 15MW wind turbines, and Patagonia is demonstrating innovation that redefines consumerism itself. These are not simply companies that sell products, but are evolving into platforms for ecosystem restoration.

The international community's movement is also accelerating. In 2023, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) officially mentioned the phased reduction of fossil fuels for the first time, and the International Energy Agency (IEA) urged a four trillion dollar increase in global renewable energy investment by 2030. However, the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report points out that with current national reduction targets, a 2.8°C increase by 2100 is inevitable, suggesting that carbon neutrality is impossible without technological breakthroughs.

In this context, green technology is being reinterpreted as a tool to dismantle the dichotomy between environmental protection and economic growth. An era is dawning where AI and big data optimize smart grids, sodium batteries reduce lithium dependence, and direct air capture (DAC) technology converts atmospheric CO₂ into resources. However, technology alone will not solve all problems. Global scholars Jeremy Rifkin emphasizes "energy democratization," and Naomi Klein emphasizes "a just transition," arguing for the need for socio-structural innovation.

This column will retrace the historical journey of green technology, analyze real-world cases of global companies, and explore the technology roadmap towards 2050 and international cooperation strategies. Furthermore, we will question and seek answers to whether the crisis we face is a warning of the end of humankind or an opportunity to trigger the emergence of a new civilization.

1. Definition and Historical Background of Green Technology

1.1 Concept of Green Technology

Green Technology refers to the field of technology that pursues sustainable development while minimizing environmental pollution and resource depletion. Renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste management, and the development of eco-friendly materials are core areas, and it is considered a key means of achieving carbon neutrality and responding to the climate crisis.

1.2 Historical Development Process

The Industrial Revolution and the Beginning of Environmental Problems (18th-19th Centuries): The spread of coal and steam engines led to the intensification of air pollution and deforestation.

The Emergence of the Environmental Movement in the 1970s: International discussions on environmental conservation began at the 1972 UN Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm.

The Kyoto Protocol (1997) and the Paris Agreement (2015): The setting of national carbon reduction targets accelerated investment in renewable energy technologies.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution and Technological Convergence: AI, IoT, and big data have been combined with energy management systems (smart grids), resulting in revolutionary improvements in efficiency.

2. Company Cases: Innovation Strategies of Global Leaders

2.1 Tesla: Electric Vehicle and Energy Storage Innovation

Popularization of Electric Vehicles: As of 2023, Tesla accounts for 15% of the 18% global electric vehicle market share, leading the market.

Megapack: An integrated solar-battery system capable of storing 1GWh of energy, aiming to replace fossil fuel power plants.

Software Update Strategy: Extends vehicle lifespan through features like Full Self-Driving (FSD) reducing resource waste.

2.2 Vestas: Globalization of Wind Power

Offshore Wind Technology: Development of 15MW turbines capable of supplying electricity to 20,000 households per unit.

Circular Economy Model: Commercialized blade recycling technology (epoxy decomposition) with a goal of zero waste by 2040.

Global Cooperation: Achieved 157GW of installed capacity in 88 countries, expanding into emerging markets.

2.3 Patagonia: Redefining Consumerism

Recycled Material Utilization: As of 2023, over 75% of products are made from recycled polyester.

Promoting Repair Culture: The Worn Wear program has extended product lifespan by more than double.

Corporate Restructuring: In 2022, designated the Earth as the sole shareholder, donating 100% of profits to environmental organizations.

2.4 Beyond Meat: Food System Innovation

Reduced Carbon Footprint: Reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 90% compared to animal protein.

Raw Material Innovation: Meatballs are made from pea protein and beet juice, extending shelf life by 30%.

Global Expansion: Increased Asian market share by 40% with the operation of local production lines in China.

2.5 BYD: Electric Buses and Battery Technology

Dominating the Electric Commercial Vehicle Market: As of 2023, it has dominated 70% of the European electric bus market, leading urban transportation innovation.

LFP Battery Development: Batteries made without cobalt have reduced production costs by 20% and minimized fire risk.

Solar Power-Energy Storage Integration: Supplied 5GWh of ESS (Energy Storage System) to Australia in the first quarter of 2023.

3. Future Vision: Technology Roadmap to 2050

3.1 Mass Adoption of Renewable Energy

Improved Solar Efficiency: Commercialization of perovskite solar cells is expected to achieve efficiency of over 35% (currently 22% for silicon-based).

Hydrogen Economy Activation: The goal is to reduce the production cost of green hydrogen to $2/kg by 2030 (currently $5-7/kg).

Energy Storage Revolution: Sodium-ion batteries are expected to reduce lithium dependence and cut costs by over 50%.

3.2 Smart Cities and Digital Twins

Real-time Energy Management: AI-based microgrids predict power demand to reduce carbon emissions by 30%.

Digital Twin Technology: Optimizes traffic congestion and energy consumption through virtual replicas of urban infrastructure.

3.3 Completion of the Circular Economy

Biodegradable Materials: The use of PLA (polylactic acid) materials is expanding to solve the problem of marine microplastics.

Product-Service Systems (PSS): Rental models for automobiles and household appliances increase resource recycling rates up to 80%.

3.4 Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU)

DAC (Direct Air Capture): Professor Klaus Lackner's "artificial tree" technology aims to reduce costs to under $100 per ton.

Fuel production using CO₂ as a raw material: Technology for producing synthetic kerosene (e-fuel) by combining carbon dioxide and hydrogen is being tested in the aviation industry.

4. Latest Trends and Policies of International Organizations

4.1 Warning from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

2023 Emissions Gap Report: With current national reduction targets (NDCs), a 2.8°C increase is predicted by 2100, emphasizing the need for an additional 28% annual emission reduction by 2030.

4.2 Key Content of the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (2023)

Necessity of Expanding Renewable Energy: 70% of the world's electricity must be supplied by solar and wind power by 2050 to achieve carbon neutrality.

Investment in Adaptation Technologies: Urgent need for floating solar power and seawall construction to respond to rising sea levels.

4.3 Net-Zero Scenario of the International Energy Agency (IEA)

2030 Goals: Need to achieve 300 million electric vehicles globally and $4 trillion in renewable energy investment.

Fossil Fuel Reduction: Coal consumption reached a record high in 2023, and policy sanctions are being strengthened.

4.4 Climate Finance Support from the World Bank

Support for Developing Countries: Announced plans to invest $30 billion annually in climate adaptation projects by 2025.

Expansion of Green Bond Issuance: $50 billion as of Q1 2023, with Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) becoming mainstream.

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