Duke Energy Corp (DUK), First Solar, Inc. (FSLR) and Three Areas of the World Continue to Pollute Our Air

Source: IEA.org

Is green gone?
While renewables have a zero-emission stamp of approval on them, cost competitiveness is a common enemy. Production tax credits, subsidies, and cheap debt have spurred growth in both the U.S. and China. If either country decides to get serious about carbon emissions, the benefits of renewables could get an even greater boost.

Yin or yang?
More likely than not, both renewables and coal generation will continue to increase over the next few years. Coal is the cheap energy that emerging markets love, while renewables provide independent and potentially unlimited growth opportunities.

But the problem of pollution is real. Data released earlier this month calculates that outdoor air pollution cut 25 million healthy years off the lives of the Chinese in 2010. IEA Executive Director Maria van der Hoeven recently wrote: “The picture is as clear as it is disturbing: the carbon intensity of the global energy supply has barely changed in 20 years, despite successful efforts in deploying renewable energy.”

Market economies dictate where our energy comes from, but pollution policy could push the needle on polluting energies. If coal can’t get its carbon emissions under control – and fast – we may see the tables turn toward renewables. A global recession, shifting gas prices, and emerging economies have given coal another breath of air – even if it isn’t clean.

The article 3 Areas of the World Continue to Pollute Our Air originally appeared on Fool.com.

Motley Fool contributor Justin Loiseau has no position in any stocks mentioned, but he did cough a lot in Shanghai. You can follow him on Twitter, @TMFJLo, and on Motley Fool CAPS, @TMFJLo. The Motley Fool recommends Southern Company.

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