Stories to Watch 2013

More than 1.3 billion people currently lack power, while a growing middle class will demand more electricity. How can we meet these energy needs while still reigning in global greenhouse gas emissions?

Three energy sources will be particularly important to watch: natural gas, coal, and renewables.

China is the world’s largest consumer and produces more than one-quarter of global carbon emissions. But China’s leadership has indicated that it recognizes the challenges of its environmental degradation. What progress will China make on its climate and energy goals?

Africa claimed six of the top 10 fastest-growing economies from 2001 to 2010. These are the so-called “African Lions.” Will Africa’s growth lead to greater environmental degradation, or will more safeguards be adopted to ensure “green growth?”

Forests are home to 80 percent of land biodiversity and provide more than $720 billion to global economies. However, we’re losing more than 13 million hectares of forest to deforestation every year. Countries like Indonesia and Brazil have made some progress—but can it be maintained?

Green investment requires a long-term view, yet global economic uncertainty has led to more short-term thinking. Which way will investment go in 2013?

A string of recent extreme and expensive weather and climatic events could ramp up political momentum for action on global warming. Will President Obama use this opportunity to put the United States onto a safer emissions trajectory?