Climate change and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is now rapidly driving energy policy

Climate change and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is now rapidly driving energy policy — and finally, investment in renewable energy sources.

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, worldwide investment in renewable power rose from less than $50 billion a year in 2004 to about $300 billion a year in recent years, finally surpassing what’s spent on new fossil fuel power.

In December, I wrote about solar power and how transitioning to homes and cars that run on electricity is a way that individuals can cut their carbon footprint. It was based on Colorado meeting its goals of generating most of its electricity from renewable sources and shuttering coal and gas-fired plants over the coming decade.

I got a lot of thoughtful feedback from readers, including…