$257 billion invested in renewable energy in 2011 (some good and bad news inside)

[NickB79]

http://news.yahoo.com/257-billion-invested-renewable-energy-2011-145543107--finance.html;_ylt=AmCWsYK_iUwt_mSFRhXNU6APLBIF;_ylu=X3oDMTNoNjZwZ21qBG1pdAMEcGtnA2NlZTcwMDZkLTEwZTYtM2NjOC1iOTY2LTVhNmE3ZjE2MTMyYQRwb3MDMQRzZWMDbG5fRGlub3NhdXJzX2dhbAR2ZXIDZmUzYmJmODEtYjNkNS0xMWUxLWFhN2UtMmI5ODhlNTU1YTM4;_ylv=3

Good news:

GENEVA (AP) — Global investment in renewable energy reached a record of $257 billion last year, with solar attracting more than half the total spending, according to a U.N. report released Monday.

Investment in solar energy surged to $147 billion in 2011, a year-on-year increase of 52 percent thanks to strong demand for rooftop photovoltaic installations in Germany, Italy, China and Britain.

Bad news:

Wind power investment slipped 12 percent to $84 billion due to uncertainty about energy policy in Europe and fewer new installations in China, according to the report.

Overall investment in renewable energy grew 17 percent, a slowdown from the 37 percent increase seen in 2010. Still, the head of the U.N. Environment Program claimed the latest figures were an indication that renewable energy is drawing level with fossil fuels in some markets.

We're moving in the right direction, but the momentum seems to have slowed over the past few years.

[jpbollma]

1. I wonder if it has slowed due to right wingers taking office all over Europe and within the US?

[NickB79]

2. Oh, definitely.

Austerity measures in Europe, demanded by the right, are taking a serious toll on renewables.