SOLAR SHINES: Global investment in renewable energy reached a record of $257 billion last year, with solar attracting more than half the total spending, according to a U.N. report released Monday.
CHINA, U.S. LEAD: China was responsible for almost a fifth of the total investment volume, spending $52 billion on renewable energy last year. The U.S. was close behind with investments of $51 billion.
STILL SMALL: Renewable energy provided just 16.7 percent of global energy consumption in 2010. By comparison, more than 80 percent of electricity consumed worldwide still comes from fossil fuels.
