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Global Issues of Renewable Energies
Renewable energies propose solutions to pressing issues of global concern in all dimensions of sustainable development: economical, ecological, and social.

Poverty eradication is the most pressing issue of development policy, as captured in the Millenium Development Goals. Access to modern energy and reliable energy supply have been identified as a crucial factors for development, while rising energy costs are a significant risk. Renewable energy technologies are part of the traditional energy systems and offer solutions for sustainable future systems. REN21 has focused on this key global issue and demonstrates by means of examples the role renewable energy can play in poverty reduction.

Climate change is undoubtedly one of the most serious concerns of our time. REN21 strives to highlight the contribution that renewable energies can bring to reducing our energy-related CO2 emissions. The effects of climate change already demand reaction and adaptation. At the same time, efforts to mitigate climate change must be reinforced. The rapid expansion of renewables is arguably one of the most effective options to mitigate climate change and adapt to its effects.

Energy security has risen to the top of the political agenda again since 2005. Its meaning, though, has expanded from the mere reliability of supply to include a variety of issues. The term today englobes various aspects, from security of infrastructure, of investment regimes, of  long-term ressources avaliability, of revenues for suppliers to security from risks of price variations for consumers, access to energy and others. Recent studies show how renewable energy contributes to energy security in most of its dimensions.

Renewable energy is considered generally as sustainable energy. Nonetheless, environmental and social issues of renewable energy technologies do arise with increasing significance, increasing project size and energy-realated trade. Guidelines and recommendations for sustainable practices in renewable energy applications are becoming increasingly important.

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02 Jul 2008
CO2 Impact Analysis of WIREC 2008 Pledges
NREL has now produced a draft report to estimate the CO2 impact of the WIREC 2008 pledges. Participants' feed-back is welcome.

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1 Jul 2008
Clean Energy Investments Charge Forward Despite Financial Market Turmoil
With end of cheap oil, renewables and energy efficiency attracts fast-growing interest; New investment surpasses $148 billion in 2007, a 60% rise from 2006; Growth continues in 2008, UNEP study says.

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18 Apr 2008
Renewable Energy Conference in Dakar, Senegal
Side event: Potential, markets and strategies for renewable energy in Africa. Presentation of forthcoming report.

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28 Mar 2008
WIREC Pledge Count
The United States has announced that it will continue collecting pledges for the Washington International Action Program through April 4, 2008.

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27 Feb 2008
2007 Global Status Report Shows Perceptions Lag Reality The renewable energy industry is stepping up its meteoric rise into the mainstream of the energy sector, according to the REN21 Renewables 2007 Global Status Report.

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