In recent months, something of a backlash against the clean energy movement has taken shape. Chants of "drill, baby, drill" at political rallies and reports in the press question the ability of renewable energy to meet the needs of a developed nation. But a recent decision by the British government to further develop wind energy makes an important public vote of confidence in the new technologies.

The major opposition to plans for widespread energy adoption, like Al Gore's ten year challenge, are generally based on the perceived inability of existing emissions-free technology to produce enough energy to support a developed nation. Recent reports—albeit funded by industrialists who stand to lose significant amounts of money upgrading their facilities—have stated that non-nuclear clean energy is simply not an option if widespread economic growth is to continue. But as the old expression runs, where there's a will, there's a way—having a government backing that will doesn't hurt, either.

Between now and 2009, the British government announced it would increase wind production by 25%, adding a full gigawatt to existing power generating capacities and sending the message that London remains committed to its goal of having 15% of the UK's power generated from renewable sources by 2020. This renewed funding will encourage further development of advanced clean energy technologies in the form of potentially lucrative government subsidies, and demonstrate to the public that clean energy is not a passing political fad.

Already, many on the island nation, which is far less stricken by the culture wars dividing opinions on clean energy production in America, have come to embrace the idea that lowered carbon emissions are no longer a luxury. Indeed, analysts worldwide have stated that increased government spending in clean energy infrastructure could help kick-start the worldwide economy out of its current anemic slump; energy-saving actions taken by an involved and conscientious public could help further this turnaround.

Existing coal, petrochemical, and nuclear energy resources will no doubt continue to play an important role throughout the next decade. Highly publicized investments from the government and from private sector sources -- including extremely successful businessmen -- will be paramount to increasing overall awareness of resource use. Look for these investments to result in additional technological advances and a cleaner, more sustainable future.