Clean technology

By flying Solar Impulse 2 around the globe, Piccard wants to dispel misunderstandings about clean technology.

"People believe clean technology is only clean energy, but it's not the same thing," he said. "Clean energy is just part of clean technology, and there are also many technologies that save energy. The production of clean energy, such as solar power, wind power and geothermal energy, is not enough. What is profitable is energy-saving technologies."

By applying clean technology in his own house, Piccard said he has cut heating costs by two-thirds.

He believes clean technology is the solution in the fight against climate change.

"A lot of people fight against climate change by fighting against growth and economic development. This is stupid. It never works. All countries want to have growth, and I believe clean technologies can increase the GDP in a clean way," he said.

Piccard has found Western countries lacking in the pioneering spirit to apply clean technology. He has pinned his hopes on China, the largest energy consumer and clean energy producer in the world.

"I believe that China is going to do more in clean technology than the rest of the world. China moves very fast when it decides to do something. If China decides to be No 1 in clean technology, they will do it."