Jeremy Rifkin on the "Third Industrial Revolution": How Renewable Energy and the Internet are Changing the World

Renowned economist Jeremy Rifkin has put forth a compelling theory about how Internet technology and renewable energy are merging to create a powerful “Third Industrial Revolution.” Here is a brief except of Rifkin’s presentation at a March 20, 2013 sustainability conference in Montreal, Canada. Rifkin was one of a number of experts who discussed energy efficiency, green cities and clean energy.

The conference was titled “Going Green – Smart Choices for a Sustainable Future.” Specialists shared ideas on the main challenges and business opportunities associated with the emergence of an “intelligent” economy, based on clean energy and sustainable growth. The event reviewed best practices for creating partnership opportunities between cities.

“Internet technology and renewable energy are merging to create a powerful ‘Third Industrial Revolution.’ Imagine hundreds of millions of people producing their own green energy in their homes, offices and factories, and sharing it with each other in an ‘energy Internet,’ just like we now create and share information online. The five pillars of the Third Industrial Revolution will create thousands of businesses and millions of jobs, and usher in a fundamental reordering of human relationships, from hierarchical to lateral power, that will impact the way we conduct business, govern society, educate our children and engage in civic life,” said Mr. Rifkin in his presentation.
Rifkin is president of the Foundation on Economic Trends and a best-selling author. Supporting evidence for his thesis appears to be borne out in the profound changes witnessed in what is widely referred to as the Arab Spring.

For more information on Rifkin’s theory click here.