A report from the United Nations Environment Programme and Bloomberg New Energy Finance sums up the rapid growth of renewable energy in 2011, and looks at some of the clouds on the horizon
Natural Gas a Weak Weapon Against Climate Change, New Study Asserts
A new study argues that replacing all the world’s coal power plants with natural gas would do little to slow global warming this century
More than 100 Coal Plants Shutting—But How Much Difference Will It Make?
Many coal plants are shutting, and natural gas plants are on the rise—but switching from coal to natural gas might not make much difference this century
Maldives President and Climate Advocate Forced at Gunpoint to Step Down
Also, global warming could be behind Europe’s frigid winter, fracking for natural gas could be a major greenhouse gas culprit, and grass clippings could make a new kind of solar panel
U.S. Rejects Tar Sands Pipeline from Canada—For Now
After pressure from Republicans for a quick decision, the Obama administration decided to reject the proposed pipeline rather than try to rush its environmental review
Planting Wind Energy on Farms May Help Crops, Say Researchers
Wind energy may do more than improve farm income. When sited in agricultural fields, turbines may help crops to grow, new research indicates.
Renewables investment up in 2010—but mainly because of China
The ailing economy has taken its toll on renewables investment in the U.S. and Europe—so what does the future hold?
The Climate Post: The World has Passed Peak Oil, says Top Economist
In other news, renewables hit bottlenecks, feed-in tariffs for clean energy get choked by austerity measures, and the “Battle of the Buildings” begins
Going “All The Way” With Renewable Energy?
Political will seen as main green power obstacle, but practical issues remain
