Release of the New Green Technology Book At COP28 UAE

December 6, 2023

New edition of the Green Technology Book focused on climate change mitigation

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) released the 2nd edition of its “Green Technology Book” on December 6th, 2023, at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This edition, which will be made available in six languages, shifts its focus towards climate change mitigation, highlighting critical innovations in key sectors including Industry, Agriculture & Land Use, and Cities.

A few words from WIPO’s Director General on the Green Technology Book

There has been a tremendous amount of research, technology and innovation deployed to address climate challenges in recent years. However, these breakthrough technologies and solutions are not yet getting to where they are most needed. WIPO’s Green Technology Book bridges this gap between what is needed and what is available. It’s a practical guide for policymakers, industry, investors, researchers and many others. By providing information and analysis, we inspire action.

Daren Tang, the Director General of WIPO, emphasized the importance of this book.
greentech-2023-845
(Image: WIPO)

Read the GREEN Technology Book Flyer PDF, all WIPO Green Technology Books Read the Executive Summary

In collaboration with the United Nations Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) and the Egyptian Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ARST), this “digital first”, interactive online publication showcases actionable technologies aimed at reducing emissions and advancing sustainable practices. The book is a dynamic online resource which seeks to bridge the gap between the critical need for climate mitigation solutions and their practical implementation across developed as well as developing countries.

Reflecting on the significance of this year’s theme, Mr. Rajiv Garg, the Acting Director of the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), emphasized that this Green Technology Book marks a “pivotal moment in the shared commitment between CTCN and WIPO to drive sustainable solutions across key sectors”. “Through the lens of innovative technologies, we are not merely turning pages; we are writing a transformative narrative, towards a greener, more resilient future for all,” he said.

As a dynamic and evolving resource, the Green Technology Book will continue to integrate new insights and technological advancements, maintaining its relevance in the global climate dialogue. Through this publication and its broader initiatives, WIPO reaffirms its dedication to using intellectual property as a catalyst for environmental sustainability and global progress.

Innovative climate change mitigation solutions

The book presents a deep dive into the potential for mitigation through technology deployment in key sectors, all connected to the accessible and inclusive WIPO GREEN Database of Needs and Green Technologies. The database showcases a wider array of solutions and facilitates direct contact with technology proprietors. Additionally, the Green Technology Book serves as an important matchmaking tool for fostering connections and partnerships in the field. 

Top 10 Key Findings of the Green Technology Book

The mapping of hundreds of climate mitigation technologies in the database, led us to make the following observations:

  1. The vast majority of climate technologies needed to halve emissions by 2030 are already available. Focusing too much on future breakthrough technologies might mean we miss out on the opportunity to invest in and grow the solutions we have now.
  2. Dependence on fossil fuels hinders the effectiveness of climate technologies. Countries reliant on fossil fuels for electricity face challenges in sustainably implementing electricity-based technologies such as electric vehicles, heat pumps and green hydrogen. Fossil fuel phase out is a pre-condition for success of many climate technologies.
  3. Addressing the growing demand for resources such as energy, water and materials is critical. Technologies that enable smarter design of cities, buildings, transport routes and food systems contribute to a more circular economy and mitigate emissions but have so far been overlooked in favor of supply-side interventions.
  4. Successful uptake of climate technology depends on understanding user needs. This warrants a broad-based, participatory approach, gathering views of stakeholders including farmers, youth, indigenous peoples, women and other groups when developing and deploying climate technologies.
  5. Slow adoption of climate technologies and their enabling opportunities increases the risk of stranded assets and carbon lock-in. Rapidly growing cities are putting in place long-term infrastructure such as buildings, industrial assets and road networks. Careful assessment of technology choices and availability needs to be undertaken.
  6. Many current innovations to decarbonize the hard-to-abate sectors (like steel and cement) focus on less carbon-intensive stages, missing crucial emission reduction opportunities. There is an urgent need for further research and development in climate technologies in these sectors.
  7. Changes to agricultural practices and land use have significant potential to reduce emissions. Technologies like satellite imaging and livestock feed additives can support sustainable practices, but widespread adoption depends on economic viability and policy support.
  8. The global climate technology landscape is uneven, with few countries leading the way. Greater collaborative efforts and technology transfer are needed to empower developing countries in climate technology development and adoption.
  9. Innovation is essential. Current climate technologies are often costly and inaccessible in many regions. Localized adaptation of these technologies, innovation co-development, and the support and recognition of locally-invented, endogenous or indigenous peoples’ technologies is critical.
  10. Intellectual property rights are a cornerstone of well-functioning innovation ecosystems as well as for technology transfer. A wide range of climate technologies are being developed. They are the result of effective innovation ecosystems.

Previous edition of the Green Technology Book

Last year, the Green Technology Book on Climate Adaptation was released at Sharm El-Sheik, Egypt, at the COP 27.  Both books are “living publications” building on the work of the WIPO GREEN platform, which connects green technology providers from around the world with people seeking environmentally friendly solutions.

Read the Green Technology Book on Climate Adaptation

About WIPO GREEN

WIPO GREEN is a free, solutions oriented, global innovation platform. It connects needs for solving environmental or climate change challenges with their solutions. The database consists of user uploads of needs and solutions, green technology patents from the WIPO Patentscope database, imports from select partner organizations, relevant knowledge material, and relevant expert profiles. Through its database, network and acceleration projects, WIPO GREEN brings together key players to catalyze green technology innovation and diffusion.