Over recent times, one of the central themes in the RBA's discussions with businesses has been the much greater use of information technology to increase productivity. Among other things, we hear about the possibilities and the challenges of data analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, the better use of sensors to control production and the automation of processes and production methods.
At the same time, history shows that after an economic slowdown, CO2 emissions pick up at the same, and often even higher rate. We are indeed already starting to see emissions increasing again. The pandemic has shown us one way to reduce emissions: by sweeping restrictions on daily life and massive disruption of economic activity across the globe.