G20 summit will test resolve on greener economy

Samuel Dalzell
Monday, March 30, 2009
10:58 AM
Energy/Alternative Energy

Later this week, leaders of 20 of the world's major developed and emerging economies will converge in London. The G-20 leaders will have much to deliberate on, with the present global economic crisis undoubtedly taking center stage in this highly anticipated meeting. Another important issue that the leaders are expected to address is that of the worsening climate crisis and how recovering economies can make room for growth in the clean energy sector. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who is hosting the summit, has expressed interest in developing a coordinated plan to inject more money into fighting climate change and creating green energy. If the summit ultimately decides to widen its agenda to green spending, it will indicate that there may be increasing support to sign later this year an ambitious new pact to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012. The G20 leaders may in fact confirm their commitment to this new climate treaty, and urge the stimulus spending on green energy projects. Several countries have already established their support for green spending; about $300-500 billion of stimulus money worldwide will be directed toward new energy.
This Thursday, April 2, we will know whether these nations have made the commitment to shifting the global energy paradigm. I'm hopeful that by this time next week, we can celebrate in the fact that the world's leading economic powers have fully committed themselves to setting a new example of responsible, clean, non-polluting energy creation and distribution. If it's any indication, the amount of public support for green energy measures is overwhelming at this point, a marked change from only a few years ago when there were many detractors and skeptics afraid to admit that human activities could cause any lasting damage to the environment at large. The Environmental Movement has made monumental gains and is now considered a mainstream idea; the new U.S. president has expressed his support for green energy, as has PM Gordon Brown and many other world leaders. I'm confident that the resolve of the G20 on green energy is as strong as ever; this Thursday we will know for sure. At this point, we can only hope.

http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE52P4NA20090326