Energy conference: Exploring new ways to sustainability

Four-day workshop on environmental concerns under way at UET

LAHORE: A low-carbon energy transition cannot be achieved by simply developing a climate policy and relying on technology. Although energy and technology lie at the heart of challenges, it is only part of the solution and not the solution on its own.

Tadhg Mahony, a postdoctoral researcher from Finland Future Research Centre, shared these views while speaking at International Conference on Energy for Environmental and Economic Sustainability (ICEEES) on Friday.

The four-day conference was organised by University of Management and Technology Lahore aimed at discussing the prospects of environmental suitability with emerging development and energy usage trends. At least 100 participants are expected to present their research papers on a diverse menu of issues concerning the environment and sustainability.

In his keynote address, Mahony said recent global political commitments on avoiding dangerous climate change have put the world on the brink of the most significant change in the development path since the industrial revolution.

He presented his paper, titled ‘Grasping the rose not the thorns: the place of technology in a sustainable low carbon transition’.

The postdoctoral researcher said it is through sustainable development pathways that technology can be placed in its appropriate context. Mahony added this allows win-win scenarios to emerge and trade-offs to be managed.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 22^nd, 2016.