May 23 2007
“Defra’s report on ‘Environmentally Beneficial Nanotechnologies’ gives an excellent overview of the wideranging technical advancements that can be achieved through the control and manipulation of matter on the nanometre scale, in order to help solve one of mankind’s biggest threats: climate change.
“Moreover, the report provides a well-balanced analysis of the technology as well as giving realistic recommendations on how to secure benefits for the UK society and economy. The NIA’s members include industrial companies that are already exploiting the powerful potential that nanotechnology holds for environmentally friendly energy innovations.
“Crucial to bringing these advancements to a stage where they are having an impact on climate change, will be improving the public’s understanding of nanotechnology’s benefits, particularly with regards to health and safety issues, and therefore ensure that the commercialisation process isn’t unnecessarily delayed. “The NIA is currently working with central Government, nanotechnology sector, wider business, scientific bodies and environmental groups, to develop standards and protocols around the issue of health and safety.
“Consultation with the general public will also be an essential part of our work: only once we have engaged at consumer level, will we be able to ensure that nanotechnology is allowed to play its part in safeguarding the planet’s future.”