REN21 is a global "policy" network connecting governments, NGOs and international organizations to facilitate a transition to renewable energy systems globally. They provide a forum that serves to aid international leadership on renewable energy deployment with the understanding that across the planet we share common interests in energy security and environmental stewardship.

In January of this year, the Secretariat based in Paris, launched a really excellent Interactive Renewables Map. The Map's set up and design was undertaken by REN21 Interns and provides an easy to use central database of renewable energy information. The project is an open access source for the public and policy makers alike, drawing from the knowledge and data contributions of many organizations and individuals in the renewable energy community around the world. The information therefor is authoritative in that it refers to what is taking place in many countries as renewable energy policies, businesses and organizations shape how we are shifting to sustainable and clean energies.

The Map allows you to search by country, energy type and also provides a look into what policies are in place, in essence providing profiles of where countries are at with renewable energy development. It also offers an option to view upcoming events around the world, like the Lighting Africa Conference next month in Kenya. You can search for information on specific technologies including solar, wind, geothermal, hydro, biomass, solar thermal and concentrated solar power as well as for what tariffs & policies are in place. What's equally useful is the collecting of information on renewable energy capacity targets set by countries around the world.

Visit the Renewables Interactive Map to learn more about how renewables are transforming our world and begin to understand the better and safer world we are in the process of creating today.

I've often thought we were awfully harsh in our criticism of Copenhagen and I wondered how the world was so quick to have this great climate consensus break through, and then seemed so disappointed at what they think they saw at Copenhagen. Much was accomplished before those ten days and much continues to be accomplished following the conference. Did we in our media driven mindset fail to see the process that has in fact been going on for years away from the popular view. What I saw during Copenhagen was the failure of main stream media to bring the real story of how we are combating climate change and shifting to renewable energy to a public needing to hear about it. Check out the map and start to see the picture of what's happening in our world today.