Digital transformation in business and society

Page 15

Another famous analyst, namely US economist, foresight expert and sociologist Jeremy Rifkin, in his book, The Third Industrial Revolution 16 puts things slightly differently. Rifkin suggests that fundamental economic change evolves with the confluence of a new communication technology, a new form of energy supply and new transportation mechanisms, by considerably increasing their aggregated efficiency. This was the case during the 1st and the 2nd Industrial Revolution, and happened again at the starting point of the current 3rd Industrial Revolution. 1.

The first Industrial Revolution (19th century) was caused by the convergence of steam-power, letterpress printing and railways.

2.

The second industrial revolution (=20th century) can be attributed to electric communication and the combustion engine as well as road transportation.

3.

The third industrial revolution (which is – according to Jeremy Rifkin – currently happening) is triggered by the co-occurrence of the internet, renewable energies and sustainable mobility. And both elements promote the development of the local, collaborative and lateral societal and economic structures of the green economy (or the so-called « low carbon economy 17, 18 »).

According to Rifkin, the foundation of the green economy consists of 5 pillars – each of which only functions in combination with the others:

16 17 18

1.

Transition from fossil to renewable energies

2.

Transformation of all buildings into mini-generating power plants

3.

Development and build-up of energy storage technologies and capacities (e.g. hydrogen)

4.

Capitalizing the internet technology for the development of a smart and bidirectional (peer-to-peer) energy-sharing-grid

5.

Transformation of the transportation system to electric plug-in and fuel-cell vehicles

http://www.thethirdindustrialrevolution.com https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low-carbon_economy Decarbonation is the sum of measures and techniques used to reduce the amount of carbon, more specifically CO2, in energy, or even in an entire economy. These measures may include the search for alternatives that emit less carbon dioxide (renewable energy, nuclear energy, natural gas), processes that are more energy efficient (energy performance, cogeneration), cleaner production methods (telecommuting, services) or even the capture and sequestration of CO2 before or after the use of fuels., http://www.futurasciences.us/dico/d/sustainable-development-decarbonation-50000842/

15


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.