The US has stepped up its environmental efforts and joined the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) when it signed the Statute of the International Renewable Energy Agency.
IRENA is a new organization established in January with 75 member nations including most of Africa, the Middle East and Europe. Other countries include Greenland, Australia, Japan, India, and parts of South America.
The US membership could be an indicator of the super power signing the successor to the Kyoto Protocol scheduled to be unveiled at the UN Climate Change gathering in December. The country has received harsh criticism for its slow progression to implement greener strategies. However, the Obama administration – particularly with its New Energy Plan – has already seen efforts in the renewable energy sector increase substantially. While large oil producing countries are fearful of the US’ move toward diversifying its energy mix with renewable energy, other countries are looking at the US as a potential leader in going green.