Renewable Energy a Political Commitment...
Speaking about Denmark’s transition from importing 99% of its energy needs not too long ago to generating 30% of its power from renewable sources, Ms Thorning-Schmidt said that ultimately this sort of transition is not about the size of a nation, it is primarily about political commitment. She said that any country can take bold action and move forward.

...And a Long-Term Investment
In describing obstacles that Denmark faced in making a transition away from imported energy sources, she said that the big thing to be aware of is that renewable energy is a long term solution; the full benefits may not be realized for ten or twenty years. In concluding her remarks on energy she said that, in her view, the old world is oil and the new world is renewable energy.

Two Lessons for the World
She went on to offer two lessons for the world regarding implementing renewable energy: 1) Markets cannot do it alone. If a proper incentive structure is in place, the market can be a good vehicle, but it cannot do it alone. 2) You cannot solve global problems individually. She used the current US financial crisis as example, saying that if you simply cannot address that issue, you must also address related problems as well.

:: Clinton Global Initiative

Nearly $460 Million Pledged For Water & Sanitation
In total, 15 CGI member organizations have come together in making collectively a commitment nearing $460 million dollars that will improve the very basic quality of life and improve the health of some 6 million of the world’s poorest people. There’s a lot being done here, to the point that I’m just providing links to the organizations so that readers can delve more into the work these organizations are doing.

This is a summary of the different programs which are part of the mega-commitment.

Aquaya Institute
$25,000 over 1 year
The Aquaya Institute will be undertaking a “Community Level Trial of the PUR Purifier of Water.” With support of the Tigerlake Foundation, this San Francisco-based NGO is working with the Safe Water and AIDS Project to develop small safe water vending businesses in Kenya.

Estamos
$2 million over 3 years
A Mozambique-based non-profit, Estamos will be providing “100% Access to Water and Sanitation in 50 Villages”. In addition, education about hygiene and HIV/AIDS will be conducted through music and theatre presentations.

Global Action and the Heinrich Family Foundation
$550,000 over 3 Years 
In “Implementing Safe Water Interventions in Tanzania” Global Action and the Heinrich Family Foundation will be reducing micronutrient malnutrition and increase access to safe drinking water for 25,000 children living in Tanzania by integrating in-house use micronutrient fortification and water purification interventions.

Global Water Challenge
$25 million over 3-5 years
A Washington DC-based coalition of 22 companies, non-profits, health organizations, and foundations, Global Water Challenge will be funding several innovative new local entrepreneurial water and sanitation projects through their Changemakerscompetition.