One Planet Summit Highlights the EU's Climate Leadership

As evidenced by the recent One Planet Summit, the EU and its member states are leading climate action. In the EU, governments, businesses and investors are all engaged in hopeful efforts and initiatives designed to combat climate change.

On the anniversary of the signing of the Paris Climate agreement on December 12, French President Macron convened a summit to encourage private and public financing for the implementation of the Paris agreement. The One Planet Summit was attended by governments, corporations and other organizations. At this event the European Union announced that it would invest at least €9 billion (US$10 billion) on clean energy, sustainable cities and agriculture. Even Theresa May, the less than green-minded prime minister of the UK, acknowledged the need for wealthy nations to help the developing world. She pledged to contribute £140 million to help poorer countries manage climate change.

France Shows Trump What Climate Leadership Looks Like

France is leading climate action. The host nation for the signing of the historic Paris Agreement has repeatedly refuted Trump's climate denial while adopting a raft of measures as part of an ambitious national climate plan.  It is fair to say that with its support of science, climate focused political agenda, and progressive climate plan France is one of the most sustainable countries in the world.  French efforts have been ongoing for years and include everything from mandatory sustainability reporting to the problem of food waste. In May France announced that it was moving forward with 17 GW of clean energy investments. These are just some of the reason France has emerged as a global climate leader.

Event - Renewable Energy World International

This event will take place on December 13-15, 2016 in Orlando Florida at the Orange County Convention Center (North and South Halls). Renewable Energy World International tracks are designed to be made horizontally applicable across all technology sectors. Hear from our track champions on what is being covered during these impactful conference sessions.

Building Relationships

Make connections with 20,000 other renewable energy professionals from around the globe. Learn from each other during multiple networking events.

Event - Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo North America 2016

This event will take place from December 13 to December 15, 2016 in Orlando Florida. This BIG PICTURE' conference, will cover the full landscape of renewables. Attendees will hear from several Renewable Energy World International Committee Members about what HOT industry topics are being covered in this years conference.

The Allure of Low Carbon Investment Opportunities

Investors are waking up to the opportunities afforded by the low carbon economy. The benefits of emissions reduction extend far beyond averting a climate catastrophe. Decreasing our GHG emissions will help create jobs, alleviate poverty, improve public health and even provide greater food security.

The math supports climate action and the economics are becoming harder to refute. Market forces are driving a steady flow of capital and investors are finding it impossible to ignore the return potential of low carbon technologies.

Germany Continues its Green Dominance in 2015 (Video)

Europe has the highest concentration of national sustainability efforts in the world. In 2015 Nordic countries once again assumed a leadership role along with France. In addition to being an economic giant Germany is also an environmental titan. Germany is ranked fourth in the Global Green Economy Index.and seventh in a RobecoSAM study. Germany has distinguished itself as an early adopter of clean power and it has a secure place in history as a renewable energy pioneer.

Infographic - Sustainable Energy in America (2015 Factbook)

Scotland Leads UK Renewable Energy Generation

Scotland derived half of its electricity needs from renewables last year. Renewable energy, once dismissed as a pipe dream by some, is becoming a reality for many nations including Denmark and Germany. According to data released by the Scottish government in June, Scotland generated 49.8 percent of all of its electricity needs from renewable sources in 2014.

The Scottish government has met its target of meeting 50 percent of electricity demand with renewables one year ahead of schedule. Scotland is now setting its sights on the goal of meeting all of its electricity demand with renewables by 2020.

Renewable Energy Milestones in Germany, Denmark and the US

Germany, Denmark and the US are clean energy leaders that are proving that renewables can meet the electricity needs of modern nations. In Germany and Denmark they are producing so much power from renewables that they are exporting clean energy. In the US renewables continue to grow accounting for the vast majority of new energy production in the first half of 2015.

Iran Poised to be a Renewable Energy Superpower

Now that Iran has reached a nuclear agreement with six world powers it is well positioned to become a global energy superpower that includes renewables. Iran's geographical position means that the nation has enormous potential for the production of different kinds of renewable energies, including geothermal, solar and wind power. Prior to the signing of the deal Iran was already working to expand its renewable energy sector. For both economic and environmental reasons Iran has indicated that it intends to be a serious player in renewable energy going forward.

Event - Renewable Energy India Expo (REI)

The REI event will take place on September 23 - 24, 2015 in Noda, India. The sessions at REI are interactive panel discussions. These sessions bring together leading Indian and global renewable energy developers, financial experts, sector knowledge experts and investors. Discussions will address key issues and trends related to renewable energy, with a particular emphasis on solar and wind power in India.

Event - Central American Renewables Investment Summit (CAMRIS)

This event will take place on July 13, 2015 - July 14, 2015 from 8:25 AM - 6:00 PM at the Hotel Riu Plaza Panamá Calle 50, Panama City, Panama.

France Makes Sustainability Reporting Mandatory

There is a growing trend towards mandatory sustainability reporting and France is leading the way by introducing obligatory carbon reporting for financial institutions. This means that pension funds, insurance companies and other institutional investors in France will have to disclose environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues.

These ESG issues, including risks associated with climate change, are of increasing interest to investors as the world transitions to a low carbon economy. Under the new rules investors will need to set targets and measure progress. They will also be held accountable if these targets are not met.

Three Electric Scooters: From Functional to Fast and Fancy

Scooters are by far the most popular vehicles in the world and the next generation of scooters includes a vast selection of electric options. Electric scooters run the gamut from the functional city vehicles to those capable of reaching highway speeds.

Israeli-native Amir Ziad has invented an inexpensive and innovative personal transportation vehicle called muvE. This highly portable ultra lightweight scooter can be folded into a trolley, making it an optimal vehicle for urban transport.

Electric Bikes: 11 Climate Friendly e-Bikes

Due to their low price points and minimal operating costs, electric bikes are an increasingly popular way to travel. All around the world, we are seeing growing consumer interest in low carbon hybrids and emissions free electric bikes. Many of these bikes are being designed and built in the US to meet increasing domestic demand.

Some studies have shown that a family can save as much as $2,500 per year by using bikes as a primary source of transportation.

According to Pike Research, sales of electric bikes grew to 158,000 units in 2013 and they are expected to keep growing. A wide range of electronic bikes are providing consumers with a wide selection to choose from. Here are 9 options:

Floating Electric Car

There are a diverse range of electric vehicles from the mundane to the wildly esoteric. Some of the more exotic electric craft can actually navigate on the water. There is an electric car that actually floats on the water in the case of an emergency. Built by Japanese venture campany FOMM the vehicle is called the Concept One.

Hideo Tsurumaki, the president of FOMM says the car was constructed in response to the devastating Japanese tsunami of 2011. He invented the car because his hometown is prone to tsunamis.

3 Electric Tricycles: Raht Racer, Adventure Vehicle, Kylad-e (Videos)

Summary of 18 Electric Trike Vehicles

An electric tricycle has all of the advantages of a two wheeled bike with the extra stability provided by a third wheel. Many electric trikes can be propelled with the motor or through pedal power or a combination of both. Unlike four wheeled electric golf carts many of electric trikes have virtually no restrictions in terms of where they can be ridden. Most of these trikes can travel at least 30 miles on a single charge. Many of them come with an abundance of bells and whistles including things like turn signals, speedometer and a suspension system. Some cruise at typical bicycle speeds while others are capable of driving at highway speeds. Despite their functionality they can be hard to find.

The Growth of Electric Water Craft

Electric boats have been around for more than a century however, they are experiencing a resurgence. This is due largely to the growing interest in electric cars that has driven down the price of lithium-ion batteries. Electric boats are very attractive as they boast zero emissions, less maintenance, low operating costs, and noiseless travel akin to sailing.

The environmental importance of electric boats cannot be overstated. While we often hear about the emissions load from fossil fuel power cars we rarely hear about the considerable emissions associated with water craft.

Electric Quadrofoil Recreational Water Craft (Video)

In the US personal watercraft (PWC) are a leading cause of air and water pollution as well as climate change causing emissions, however the electric Quadrofoil could change this picture dramatically. The Quadrofoil provides a completely environmentally friendly mode of recreational marine transportation. The vessel generates little sound or wake and most importantly there are no emissions. The watercraft is so environmentally neutral that it can be driven through most environmentally protected sanctuaries where motor boats and PWC are prohibited. The Quadrofoil is suitable for lakes, rivers, seas.