Connected to every problem that faces the world, there are infinite possibilities for positive, sustainable change. Rather than a) sticking to business as usual or b) kvetching non-stop, why don't we grasp some of these possibilities? Do something, change something, make the world a better place.
Catching Elephant is a theme by Andy Taylor
The building of new renewable energy sources continued to outstrip new fossil fuel power plants in Europe and the US during 2009, a report has shown.
The UN-backed study said renewables accounted for 60% of new electricity generation capacity in Europe.
And in the US, green electricity accounted for more than half of the generation capacity built last year.
The authors added that renewables were set to outpace conventional energy sources across the globe next year.
The global status report, produced by the Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21), said green power had reached a “clear tipping point” during 2010.
The authors said the year was “unprecedented in the history of renewable energy, despite the headwinds posed by the global financial crisis, lower oil prices and slow progress with climate policy”. “Renewables comprised fully one-quarter of global power capacity and delivered 18% of global electricity supply in 2009,” it stated in its review of the preceding 12 months.
Positive indicators, finally. Let’s hope this trend continues … now we just have to tackle the consumption issue a little more directly. Higher production in renewables is wonderful, but if the overall use of fossil fuels is still increasing, we really aren’t accomplishing anything.
