Another study, done by Redefining Progress, shows that the economic competitiveness of nations declines if they consume more natural resources than their domestic natural assets can regenerate. Investments in those nations becomes risky and unprofitable. I had a chance to speak to the authors of this study, and learned that they got their funding from one of Switzerland's largest banks. This rather conservative institution is using the results of the study to help it choose more environmentally sound investments. As a result, many more people are considering alternative energy.
Wind power continues to be the fastest growing source of new power.
Fuel cells are poised to move into the mass market in the next few years, both for automobiles and stationary power supplies. Super flywheels are being used for backup power, and microturbines are generating power efficiently. Stock prices soared in these sectors soared in 2000. The trend is moving away from large fossil-fuel plants and towards decentralized, renewable power sources. All this is great news for Natural Investors.