Climate change was absent during Presidential debates apart from a few Republican jabs at Solyndra and other federal loan guarantees in green energy. It came back strongly to the front scene two weeks ago when Mayor Bloomberg, a moderate Republican who ran last as an Independent , endorsed President Obama for a second term after Sandy Storn hit New York City (picture right).
While some residents of Big Apple are still waiting for their lights to be back on, Obama's reelection is good news for the cleantech sector. But investments have dipped significantly in 2012 due to a lack of profitable exits. So, realistically, what's next for cleantech?
The implied value proposition that eating organic products is healthier has been put in question by a recent study from Stanford University. Researchers from the Center of Health Policy analyzed data from 237 previously performed studies, and concluded that there is little evidence of health benefits from organic products. The study is coming under fire by organic associations and medical experts who are fighting to inform customers about healthier choices.
The Cornucopia Institute in Wisconsin denounced that Stanford's spin on organics is allegedly tainted by biotechnology funding. Particularly alarming is the fact they could have purposefully cherry-picked data two months before an important vote in California on a new law (Prop 37) that would require labels on Genetically Engineered (GE) products. The food & beverage industry is a $1 trillion market and a battle ground between brands that want to be labeled (organic) and those that don't (GE).
With a new President France is taking a look back at the progress accomplished 5 years after after the national push towards sustainability. The Minister of Economy, Delphine Batho, asked for 30 indicators to track the improvements made in protecting the environments. The indicators ranged from green house gas emissions to recycling and energy efficiency (picture - courtesy of Le Monde newspaper).
The report was developed ahead of the conference on the environment to take place in Paris mid-september. Like many other countries, France is dealing with the realities of trying to support industrial growth while transitioning to an eco-friencly economy. Overall, the report gives a B- ("can do better"), and highlights areas where more progress must be made to meet the 2020 goals.
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