A lot of global energy went into the creation of a new international agency that aims to promote a clean and green world — but many environmentalists fear the effort may not be enough.

Inter Press Service reports that some 75 nations endorsed the creation of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in January — excepting China and the United States, the world’s biggest polluters.

Funding and staffing is also a concern. IRENA’s $25 million budget is just a tenth of that of Greenpeace International, according to the environmental advocacy group.

There is also a question about how much clout IRENA can have without official status as a United Nations organization.

Environmentalists say the key issue for IRENA and other environmental groups is to convince world leaders that renewable energy is the best way to confront challenges such as global warming, dwindling natural resources and increasing fossil fuel prices.

— Ronnie Lovler/Newsdesk.org

Source:

“Clean and Green Gets a New Champion”
Inter Press Service, February 11, 2009