Digital technologies - mobile, social, software, sensors, and processing power - are transforming the way we live in previously unimaginable ways. Marc Andreesen has famously observed how "software is eating the world," disrupting and changing nearly every business and societal practice. Until recently, however, much of the focus in the clean economy world has been on hardware - like solar panels and wind turbines - whose development and distribution is indeed incredibly important. But can software also save the world? As the digital and clean economy ecosystems have matured they have begun to interact in increasingly powerful ways, giving rise to a growing “Cleanweb” sector. This class will explore how digital technologies are transforming the way we use energy and resources – and the significance of this trend for students.

KEY QUESTIONS

• What is the Cleanweb?
• What technologies, sectors, and solutions are emerging as the early drivers?
• Why is the Cleanweb exciting and important? What economic value can it create? What positive environmental impact can digital technologies have? Is it also good for people and society?
• Who are they key players?
• How much investment is going into the space, and in what areas?
• What does this mean for students?