Should we be optimistic about our clean energy innovation efforts against climate change? Our new research shows that global government energy RD&D investments between 2000-2018 are decarbonizing. Nuclear has held steady, fossil fuels have decreased, and clean energy has increased. China and India have now joined the United States and Japan in the ranks of the top four countries overall. Energy RD&D by state-owned enterprises remain skewed toward fossil fuels and nuclear.
Read MoreWhen leaders of the G20 met this weekend, they appeared to focus heavily on the major challenge to the global economy: a second wave of the global pandemic and the possibility of breakthrough vaccine. But always in the wings of any global economic discussion is the longer-term challenge of tackling the climate crisis. As G-20 countries consider additional economic stimulus to tackle both crises, our research shows that energy efficiency of buildings (BEE) is a comprehensive solution that can both create new, green jobs while providing a major step towards decarbonizing economies. Both the United States and China have targeted BEE in past stimulus spending. With the G-20 countries pledging to enhance their commitments under the Paris Agreement, including BEE would offer countries multiple benefits.
Read More
