A UN study, as reported by the BBC, has demonstrated that Global investment in renewable energy sources grew by 32% during 2010 to reach a record level of US$211bn (£132bn).
The report showed that the main areas of growth were backing wind farms in China and roof top solar panels in Europe.
The study also found that rich nations invested less in green power than developing Nations for the first time.
Achim Steiner, executive director of the UN Environment Programme said, “The continuing growth in this core segment of the green economy is not happening by chance. The combination of government target-setting, policy support and stimulus funding is underpinning the renewable industry's rise and bringing the much needed transformation of our global energy system within reach."
Developing economies invested $72 bn into renewable projects compared with $70bn invested by developed economies in 2010:
South and Central America: up 39% (from 2009 levels) to $13.1bn
Middle East and Africa: up 104% to $5bn
India: up 25% to $3.8bn
The report also noted that the investments were not in all renewable sectors. There was a 22% fall in investment in projects such as windfarms. However, small-scale projects, such as solar panels had an 132% increase in investment to $34bn compared to 2009 figures.
Steiner claimed that there are a number of key gatherings coming up over the next 12 months that would help maintain the momentum of renewable energy, stating, "The UN climate convention meeting in Durban, South Africa, later in the year, followed by the Rio+20 summit in Brazil in 2012, offer key opportunities to accelerate and scale-up this positive transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient green economy."
Executives with experience in the clean tech industry will be increasingly in high demand internationally, and particularly in the emerging markets. It’s a great time for environmentally savvy executives to start publicizing themselves and promote sustainable business.
This article was written by Bella Barda, Emerging Markets Assistant from the Association of Executive Search Consultants (AESC).
BlueSteps is the exclusive service of the AESC that puts senior executives on the radar screen of over 6,000 executive search professionals in over 70 countries. Be visible, and be considered for up to 50,000 opportunities handled by AESC search firms every year. Find out more at www.BlueSteps.com.
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