Rolls-Royce and the environment

• Greenhouse gas emissions are increasing
• Technology has a key role to play

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), it is very likely that man-made greenhouse gas emissions are increasing average global temperatures and changing the climate.

The global concentrations of the main greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane and nitrous oxide, have increased significantly as a result of human activities and now far exceed pre-industrial values. CO2 is the most important man-made greenhouse gas.

Substantial reductions

To avoid the risk of dangerous climate change, it is generally accepted that it will be necessary to limit the concentration of CO2 and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This will require substantial reductions in global emissions over the coming decades.

All countries will have to be part of this process, with developed countries taking the lead. Technology will have a vital role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Other measures, such as the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, aim to cap emissions in the most cost-effective manner.