IRGC 2021 annual report
Photo by Justin Kauffman on Unsplash
IRGC’s annual report provides an overview of the many topics we work on with external experts, offering a contribution from the field of risk governance on issues such as: low-carbon transition risks, climate intervention techniques, risk of collision with space debris and environmental sustainability of emerging technologies.
Addressing risk from transitions to low-carbon economies
- The problem: if left unaddressed, obstacles to energy transitions will continue to slow or derail successful climate action
- Purpose of IRGC work: provide a comprehensive look at the countervailing or consequential risks that can be triggered by the low-carbon transition
- Our goal: drive successful climate action by targetting some of the underlying causes of climate inaction.
Deploying climate intervention techniques
- The problem: there is uncertainty and even some controversy about certain technical approaches that could remove CO2 from the atmosphere or reduce temperature increase
- Purpose of IRGC work: develop evidence-based frameworks to guide decision-makers
- Our goal: support the deployment of portfolios of context-dependant approaches to complement GHG emission reduction and adaptation strategies
Evaluating and addressing risk of collision with space debris in near-earth orbit
- The problem: the risk of collision with operational satellites ncreases and measures to reduce it are poorly deployed
- Purpose of IRGC work: review and evaluate possible response strategies, technical methods and policy arrangements
- Our goal: provide recommendations for enhancing safety and sustainability in orbit and the provision of critical services on Earth
Ensuring the environmental sustainability of emerging technologies
- The problem: it happens that applications of emerging technologies aggravate environmental problems without this being visible at first sight
- Purpose of IRGC work: develop approaches to identify, evaluate and manage risks to environmental sustainability at the design phase of an emerging technology
- Our goal: provide guidance to technology developers, investors, industry and regulators
Read the IRGC 2021 Annual Report
To learn more about IRGC’s work, visit irgc.epfl.ch