I can’t decide what to make of today’s announcement in Copenhagen heralding a new five-year program by industrialized nations to invest $350m in the deployment of renewable energy and energy efficient technologies in developing countries. On the surface this should be a cause of celebration.
The big question is how will these funds will be spent? Here’s a hint, according to Climate Wire.
Speaking on the sidelines of the U.N. climate conference here, Energy Secretary Steven Chu said the new program — with an $85 million U.S. contribution — would help get energy-efficient appliances and lighting to the poorest nations, including those in Africa and Asia. It also would help lead to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and curb indoor air pollution.
The White House touted the new Renewables and Efficiency Deployment Initiative — dubbed “Climate REDI“ — in a press release that outlined several different programs, including efforts to ramp up use of solar home systems and light-emitting diode, or LED, lanterns for people who don’t have access to electricity and labeling to help developing-nation consumers make sure they get the best products. Other countries kicking in money to the program include Italy, Australia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Norway and Switzerland.
Let’s hope there will be serious consideration given to improving the energy efficiency of stoves, kilns and the production of alternative biomass fuels.
We’re going to get more info on this and keep you posted!
English 
French 