Luke Thompson
Blog #10
11:38 pm
As the global appetite for technology continues to grow, nations around the world are investing more resources into developing cleaner forms of energy. While it is impossible to have a significant impact on the issues facing the climate overnight, long-term spending goals have been the major focus of budget makes for some of the world's most technology-dependent countries.
The United Kingdom, once a strong forerunner in clean energy spending, has lost significant ground in terms of total government investment. Over the last year, the United Kingdom has slipped from 3rd place to 13th in the world. In 2009 alternative energy spending in the UK reached $11 billion but fell to $3.3 billion in the following year.
However, total worldwide spending for clean technology reached a record-setting $243 billion in 2010. Most importantly, this number represents the first time in which spending for green energy has outweighed nuclear power.
The disheartening drop in spending within the UK, however, can be attributed to poor relations between the Department of Energy and Climate Change and the Treasury and the Department of Business. The main point of conflict rests on the economic viability of long-term spending goals.
I believe that the current economic climate presents a complex dilemma facing many governments. While policy makers want to be sure that the government's budget can adequately support the internal needs of the citizens, they must also weigh the larger issues that could have an effect on the entire earth itself.
When deciding how to divide up a tightly bound budget, governments must understand that spending for clean technology is an investment in the well-being of their citizens for the long-term. More money spent now to deter future environmental crises will ultimately mean less spending on health and disaster related costs in the future.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/mar/29/uk-global-green-investment-rankings
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