Global megatrends update: 4 Accelerating technological change

Publication Created 02 Mar 2015 Published 02 Mar 2015
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In 2010, the EEA produced its first assessment of global megatrends as part of its five-yearly assessment of the European environment’s state, trend and prospects (SOER 2010). In preparation for SOER 2015, the EEA updated each of the megatrends, providing a more detailed analysis based on the latest data. This publication is one of the 11 updates being published separately. In mid-2015 the chapters will be consolidated into a single EEA technical report.

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This report is an update of Accelerating technological change: racing into the unknown — global megatrend 4 published in 2010.

The EEA’s first assessment of global megatrends, published in 2010, analysed 11 relevant megatrends, summarising the links between megatrends and Europe's priority environmental challenges and reflecting on possible implications for policymaking.

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Assessment of global megatrends — an update Assessment of global megatrends — an update Europe is bound to the rest of the world through an enormous number of systems — environmental, economic, social, political and others. Such networks enable complex flows of materials and ideas across the globe, producing uncertain feedbacks and knock-on effects over time. Greenhouse gas emissions in Europe today can affect the climate in distant locations and far into the future. Land management choices on the other side of the world can influence food and energy prices in Europe. Global communication and trade networks fuel innovation — sometimes boosting efficiency, sometimes creating new environmental pressures.
keymessage-2014-11-04-7047333731 keymessage-2014-11-04-7047333731 The pace of technological change, particularly in the fields of information, communication, nano- and bio-technologies, is unprecedented. This provides opportunities to reduce humanity’s impact on the environment and reliance on non-renewable natural resources, while improving lifestyles, stimulating innovation and green growth.
keymessage-2014-11-04-7067740483 keymessage-2014-11-04-7067740483 The risks and uncertainties associated with technological innovation can be managed using regulatory frameworks and the precautionary principle. By recalibrating its institutions, policies and environmental knowledge base, Europe can support better risk management, while enhancing innovation and the diffusion of new technologies.

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