202 cleantech organizations were identified as being involved solely in the research, development or deployment of technological innovations in the province. 68 percent of the organizations who responded to the survey were formed in the last 10 years.

The companies are money making ventures. Total revenues by all firms in the industry are forecasted to be $2.5 billion in 2011, a 57 percent increase compared to 2008.

Total employees for 2011 are estimated to be 8,400 with an average salary of $72,000. Even if a few high numbers are skewing this average, it is still a good amount of cash to take home every year. Also, this industry is a good place to look for a job, since the report suggests that the industry will add 1,200 new jobs in 2011.

Exports accounted for 78 percent of cleantech revenues in both 2009 and 2010, with the US being the largest market for BC cleantech products and services.

Survey respondents are optimistic about their prospects for 2011, with a number of respondents expecting their first commercial sales, and firms already at the commercial operating stage expecting to see large increases in sales.

Ban Ki-moon will still be involved with international climate change negotiations, and recently called on the world’s major powers to stop playing politics and reach a climate change agreement. “Consumption without consequences” needs to end, and climate change shows that the old model is dangerous, Ban reportedly said at the recent World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

But after Copenhagen 2009 failed, Ban realized that the solution may be in addressing the issue at ground level. Before Cancun 2010, he suggested that financing efforts against climate change and on forestry may be better (read: easier) than reaching a global agreement.

This basic shift of his attention from the problem to solutions is a good one. We can’t afford to wait for the world’s leaders to agree on action if they stall any longer. Let’s help the people who are bringing solutions to the table, such as clean energy. Our world needs it.

There are some positive signs in energy conservation. Investments in clean energy are growing, and fuel-efficient hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles are increasingly appearing on our roads. High performance buildings, such as Manitoba Hydro Place which I wrote about last month, are managing energy smartly. Altogether, these efforts are creating jobs for the new economy and helping energy conservation, while giving us hope that we might be able to tackle climate change before it’s too late.

How much awareness do you have about efficient energy management?  While it can be as simple as switching off unused lights, some confusion exists over actions like whether leaving a computer really takes less energy than starting it up again. In case you’re wondering, turning off and powering down your computer is much more energy efficient. If you feel like testing your knowledge, CannonConnections.com has a quiz on their website with this and other questions.

Energy conservation is becoming the law in places like Cleveland Ohio. As Cleveland.com reports, Ohio gas companies must by law help their customers conserve. Their program includes home energy audits, free weather stripping, caulking and low flow shower heads and up to $1,250 in rebates for improvements made based on the audit. The energy audit itself includes a furnace and hot water tank combustion check, free low flow shower heads and programmable thermostats. Now is a good time to get your furnace and hot water checked, before winter comes.

The reports include a January 2010 update to their Global Warming’s Six Americas research.  Their press release suggests that Americans can be grouped into one of six groups depending on their attitudes towards climate change.  Overall, the results show a shift among Americans from being convinced that global warming is happening and is caused by humans and is a real threat (10% from its previous 18%), to more people (16%) believing global warming is not happening and is likely a hoax.

The report suggests that part of the cause responsible for this decrease is the current economic conditions and the recent attacks on climate science.  While people focus more on keeping their job or dealing with job loss, they share something in common with people in developing countries who just want to feed their family.  As humanitarian and conservation workers reveal, when people get desperate enough they will carry packages across the Pakistani/Afghanistan border for dinner money, or clear the forests of animals for African bushmeat.  It’s tough to care about the long term consequences of climate change when you’re worried about paying your rent or feeding your family.  But it’s still important.

Some people still care about their world, even when they’re facing personal challenges.  They decide to be game wardens rather than bushmeat hunters.  If only we could bottle that and pass it around!

The Center’s reports also have interesting information about the people who occupy the middle ground.  The “Cautious” believe global warming is a problem but not urgent and are unsure if it is human caused, has risen to 27% from 19% in 2008.

The “Disengaged” who don’t know much about global warming and may not even think about it, has decreased to 6% from 12% in 2008.  The “Doubtful” who aren’t sure if global warming is happening, but believe that if it is it’s natural and not a threat, is now 13% from 11% in 2008.

Interestingly, the majority of respondents believe that developing sources of clean energy should be a priority for the US Government, and support more funding for related research.  Perhaps we can solve the problems even if people don’t fully believe in them!

As well as the above report, the website also has information about how American attitudes don’t equal concerns about recycling or eating locally grown food.  Then there are four other reports to read.

So check out the University’s Center for Climate Change Communication’s website and learn more about American attitudes and actions.  It’s important reading.