Graph of the Day: How green is your country?

Graph of the Day: How green is your country?

Many small green businesses thriving even in rough economy

Many small green businesses thriving even in rough economy

"In a report presenting the survey findings, the three groups note that, over the past 10 years, the market for green products and services has expanded dramatically. For example, the green building market has increased by 1,700 percent while the conventional building market has contracted by 17 percent. The organic food market has increased by 238 percent in comparison to the non-organic food market's expansion of only 33 percent."

OECD suggests to put Green Growth at the Heart of Development

OECD suggests to put Green Growth at the Heart of Development

“Putting green growth at the heart of the development agenda requires real political leadership to instill change at international, national and local levels. Our report shows that green growth can offer new opportunities for developing countries. We are looking forward to working with governments and the development co-operation community to reap the benefits of a greener growth path for the well-being of the people in our partner countries.”

Developing Countries React to UN Climate Talks - Need Leadership Now

"Successful 2020 Climate Deal depends on:
developed country leadership before 2020"
- Developing Countries

Bonn, Germany - June 4, 2013 - The Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDC) on climate change group today reminded developed countries at the opening of the climate talks that the key to having a successful climate agreement after 2020 is for developed countries to show leadership and ambition before 2020. The current climate talks have two work streams.  The first work stream is tasked to negotiate a post 2020 climate agreement.  The second work stream is tasked to talk about increasing developed country ambition before 2020. In its opening statement read by Nagmeldin G. Elhassan, head of the Sudanese delegation, the LMDC stressed that developed countries should take the lead immediately by increasing their 2020 greenhouse gas reduction targets, ratify the second round of commitments under the Kyoto Protocol, increase levels and certainty of financial support for developing countries through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and increase ease of access to climate technologies for developing countries.  "Urgent action is needed now to address the climate change crisis and to protect the integrity of Mother Earth under the Convention. Our developing countries of theLMDC are well aware of the urgency and, in our own national contexts, are doing a large number of climate change mitigation and adaptation actions to implement the Convention." Nagmeldin G. Elhassan, head of the Sudanese delegation, said on behalf of the LMDC in the climate talks opening plenary.  "We would like to remind developed countries that leadership is about taking responsibility and not making excuses or conditions.  Had developed countries shown leadership consistent with their historical responsibility in the past, the negotiations to a future agreement won't be this difficult."  Elhassan added. "The EU, for instance, is a good example of a developed country that has the potential to lead.  It is, however, difficult for us to understand why the EU does not increase its 2020 emissions reductions plan when they've now achieved their 2020 target.  In fact, it only makes more sense for them to make their greenhouse gas emissions target more ambitious.  This would help build trust and goodwill in the talks,[1]" added Ramiro Ramirez, Venezuela head of delegation.   "This would also differentiate the EU from other developed countries that consistently refused that step towards more ambitious climate action." Ramirez added. "Despite development and poverty alleviation challenges, developing countries are already doing more than their fair share on climate action. The only missing ingredient for the world to avoid irreversible climate disaster is leadership from developed countries.  However, it's not too late for developed country leadership.  If they do this, then the world would be well on its way to solving the climate change problem." Elhassan concluded.  Contact: Jasper Inventor,  mobile: +639173009567, email: lmdc.comms@gmail.com

The Group of Like-Minded Developing Countries on Climate Change (LMDC) includes: Bolivia, China, Cuba, Dominica, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, India, Iran, Iraq,  Malaysia, Mali, Nicaragua, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Venezuela.

BAAAD News!!! Desertec abandons Sahara solar power export dream | EurActiv

Desertec abandons Sahara solar power export dream | EurActiv

“Frankly, four years ago Desertec was all about bringing energy from North Africa. We abandoned that one-dimensional thinking. It’s now more about creating integrated markets in which renewable energy will bring its advantages … That’s the main objective,” he said.

BMU - Vertreter aus zehn Vorreiterländern gründen "Club der Energiewende-Staaten"

BMU - Vertreter aus zehn Vorreiterländern gründen "Club der Energiewende-Staaten"

"We are determined to work together as advocates and implementers of renewable energy at global level," said Altmaier. "We in Germany do not stand alone with our Energiewende, but are a part of a strong group of leaders."
The Club is intended to supplement and support the International Renewable Energy Agency IRENA.

"Renewable energy is not only a good way of combating climate change, it also contributes to prosperity and supply security throughout the world," said Altmaier. "Especially at a time of growing energy demand, this is the attraction of renewable energy for countries all over the world."

Top 50 Solar Energy Stories Of The Year (Part Two: #11-20) | CleanTechnica

Top 50 Solar Energy Stories Of The Year (Part Two: #11-20) | CleanTechnica

"In one of the two future energy scenarios Shell released this year (the New Lens Scenarios), the company projected that solar would become the largest source of energy by 2070. (Note: according to many, it was still being pessimistic about solar’s likely growth.)"