We are on the verge of a profound shift in the way we produce and use energy. This shift will take the world away from the wasteful and ecologically-destructive consumption of fossil fuels, towards cleaner, more efficient forms of power.

Past energy revolutions -- from wood to coal, from coal to oil and gas -- have brought an explosion of new profits, productivity and improvements in human health. Investing in new clean energy sources may make us wealthier and healthier, too.

• In 2007, more than $100 billion was invested in renewable energy (excluding large hydro) around the world.  This includes investments in new capacity, research and development, and manufacturing.

• Of the $71 billion invested in new renewable capacity, $21.3 billion was invested in solar photovoltaics (PV).  This industry grew by 50 per cent annually in 2006 and 2007.  This translates into 1.5 million homes with rooftop solar PV feeding into the grid worldwide.  Currently, rooftop solar heat collectors provide hot water to nearly 50 million households, an increase of 19 per cent from 2006.

• Wind power is the largest component of renewable generation capacity,  it grew by 28% globally in 2007.  An estimated $33.4 billion was invested in wind power worldwide and this is expected to keep increasing, particularly due to recent signals from the United States pointing to the implementation of policies to accelerate the deployment of renewables. 
  Danish manufacturers have quadrupled their production of wind turbines over the past four years - growing faster than even the explosive cellular phone industry. If this current rate of growth continues, the industry could employ the entire Danish population in 15 years.

• Energy efficiency has great economic growth potential; investments in efficiency create four times as many jobs as equivalent investments in conventional energy production.

Clean, sustainable energy does more than just reduce the risk of climate change. It brings jobs, investment income and a competitive edge.

	Conservation and Efficiency: Learn how energy conservation and efficiency save consumers money while cutting smog and air pollution at the same time.
	Renewables: Find out how Canada can use clean energy to generate electricity and heat and cool all kinds of buildings.
	Fossil Fuels: Learn how fossil fuels are destabilizing our climate and polluting our air.
	Nuclear: A closer look at why nuclear power is not an environmentally or financially viable option for producing electricity.