page_title: Renewable energy debate
hierarchical_section_title: Renewable energy debate
caption_attribution_description: English: This bar graph shows global public support for energy sources, based on a poll by Ipsos Global @dvisor. This survey was conducted in 24 countries including Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the United States of America. The poll was carried out between May 6 and May 21, 2011 based on 18,787 global adults. Respondents answered the question: "Please indicate whether you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose each way of producing energy". The percentage of those who very much/somewhat supported the various energy sources are as follows: Solar 97% Wind 93% Hydroelectric 91% Natural gas 80% Coal 48% Nuclear 38% References: Ipsos Global @dvisor&#32;(2011-06-23)&#32;Global Citizen Reaction to the Fukushima Nuclear Plant Disaster (theme: environment / climate)[1], archived from the original on 3 December 2011. Poll website: Ipsos MORI: Poll: Strong global opposition towards nuclear power
context_page_description: Policy makers often debate the constraints and opportunities of renewable energy.
  Renewable electricity production, from sources such as wind power and solar power, is sometimes criticized for being variable or intermittent. However, the International Energy Agency has stated that its significance depends on a range of factors, such as the penetration of the renewables concerned.
  There have been "not in my back yard" concerns relating to the visual and other impacts of some wind farms, with local residents sometimes fighting or blocking construction. In the US, the Massachusetts Cape Wind project was delayed for years partly because of aesthetic concerns. However, residents in other areas have been more positive, and there are many examples of community wind farm developments. According to a town councillor, the overwhelming majority of locals believe that the Ardrossan Wind Farm in Scotland has enhanced the area.
  The market for renewable energy technologies has continued to grow. Climate change concerns, coupled with high oil prices, peak oil, and increasing government support, are driving increasing renewable energy legislation, incentives and commercialization.
context_section_description: Policy makers often debate the constraints and opportunities of renewable energy.
  Renewable electricity production, from sources such as wind power and solar power, is sometimes criticized for being variable or intermittent. However, the International Energy Agency has stated that its significance depends on a range of factors, such as the penetration of the renewables concerned.
  There have been "not in my back yard" (NIMBY) concerns relating to the visual and other impacts of some wind farms, with local residents sometimes fighting or blocking construction. In the US, the Massachusetts Cape Wind project was delayed for years partly because of aesthetic concerns. However, residents in other areas have been more positive, and there are many examples of community wind farm developments. According to a town councillor, the overwhelming majority of locals believe that the Ardrossan Wind Farm in Scotland has enhanced the area.
  The market for renewable energy technologies has continued to grow. Climate change concerns, coupled with high oil prices, peak oil, and increasing government support, are driving increasing renewable energy legislation, incentives and commercialization. New government spending, regulation and policies helped the industry weather the 2009 economic crisis better than many other sectors.
  The concerns about environmental impacts of renewable energy are presented by the proponents of theories like degrowth and Steady-state economy as one of the proofs that for achieving sustainability technological methods are not enough and there is a need to limit consumption
caption: Global public support for energy sources, based on a survey by Ipsos (2011).[1]
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