As nations scramble to shore up energy resources and avoid geopolitical conflict over increasingly scarce fossil fuels, scientists and entrepreneurs in many innovative nations are pioneering energy-efficient solutions.
Yet, alternative sources of energy such as wind, tidal and solar are often expensive and inefficient.
Around the globe, individuals, companies and governments are developing new ways to power their businesses, heat their homes and run their cars. Worldfocus examines how countries such as China, Denmark, Brazil and Israel are investing in alternative energy and developing technologies that lessen our dependence on fossil fuels.
Housing developments in Denmark slash energy use
Worldfocus' John Larson has been reporting on Denmark's forward-thinking energy policy in the weeks leading up to the Copenhagen summit. Here, he visits a housing development outside of of Copenhagen where residents use astonishingly little energy.
Efficient Danes use hydrogen cells to maximize wind power
Last week, we showed you how everyday Danes profit from pioneering wind power. But there's a challenge -- how to store that power when the wind isn't blowing. John Larson reports on how Denmark is searching for answers, including building Europe's first "hydrogen neighborhood" -- homes that are powered and heated with the help of hydrogen fuel cells.
U.S. lagging behind in harnessing green energy
In talks between President Obama and the Chinese president, climate change was high on the agenda. A recent report found that China is the world's leading renewable energy producer. Is the United States lagging too far behind other countries in developing renewable energy sources and businesses?
Everyday Danes profit from pioneering wind power
Long ago, Denmark pioneered wind power, which now accounts for 20 percent of its energy production. Everyday Danish citizens -- from farmers to art dealers -- invested in windmills. John Larson reports on how Danish citizens are capturing windfall profits.
Taxes curb Danish oil use, promote energy independence
Producer John Larson reports from Copenhagen, Denmark, on how changing lifestyles, taxing energy and subsidizing alternative technologies have reduced the country's dependency on oil and created thousands of new jobs.
Converting religious groups into climate change crusaders
Climate change activists are often stymied by skeptics who doubt how much humans can do to reverse global warming. Daljit Dhaliwal speaks with Olav Kjorven, director of the UNDP's Bureau for Development Policy about why the organization is turning to world religions to fight climate change.
South Korea turns green with tidal power plant
South Korea has pledged to make alternative energy efforts profitable by 2015. The country's ambitious plans include a tidal power plant that officials say would be the world's largest. Steve Chao of Al Jazeera English reports.
Weighing the costs and benefits of tidal power
Some don't think tidal power, a form of alternative energy, is as "green" as it is being made out to be. Michael Novacek of the American Museum of Natural History weighs the downsides and benefits of tidal power.
Electric power meets pedal power in Chinese E-bikes
Worldfocus partner Deutsche Welle ventures to China for a look at the craze over a hybrid known as the E-bike -- sales of which far outpace those of cars.
Pickaxes break silence of Bolivia’s expansive salt flats
Witness the desolate quiet of Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni salt flats, sitting on top of one of the world's largest lithium reserves.
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