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2015 California Green Innovation Index - International Edition

In advance of the historic United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris this year, the 2015 California Green Innovation Index, for the first time, analyzes and ranks the Golden State’s economic and energy performance in comparison to the world’s 50 largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitting nations. The 7th edition charts GDP, emissions, energy productivity, renewable energy generation, clean tech investments and other key metrics. California and the U.S. collectively lead the world on several critical indicators.

In observance of Climate Week Paris and on the eve of the Business & Climate Summit at UNESCO headquarters, Next 10’s founder Noel Perry will present the new report findings Tuesday to an international audience including business and government leaders and journalists at a reception at the Hotel de Talleyrand in Paris.

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The Index found the following key findings related to California:

  • Ranks among top ten nations worldwide in total renewable energy generation, share of electricity from renewable sources, highest energy productivity and lowest carbon intensity (emissions per GDP).
  • World’s second least carbon-intensive economy. For every dollar of goods and services, California emits less carbon than any nation except France.
  • #5 in the world in energy productivity (GDP relative to total energy consumption).
  • Generated nearly 64 percent more GDP for every unit of energy consumed than the U.S. as a whole (2012). For every unit of energy, the state produced $268 billion GDP, compared to U.S. $164 billion GDP.
  • Attracted half ($5.7 billion) of clean tech global venture capital investment (2014)—second only to the U.S. as a whole. 153 percent increase in investment between 2013 and 2014.
  • Generated 23 percent of its electricity from renewable sources as of the first half of 2014. Fourth among large emitters for total share of electricity renewables.
  • #37 among top emitters for both energy use and electricity use per capita.
  • Cut electricity use per capita by four percent and total energy use per capita by 19.5 percent (1990—2012).
  • Cut GHG emissions per capita 25 percent (1990-2012) and increased GDP per capita 37 percent—the U.S. (with California) cut emissions per capita 17 percent and increased GDP per capita 37 percent.
  • Average monthly residential electricity bill decreased four percent; industrial declined 57 percent and commercial increased eight percent (1990-2012).
  • California has established GHG agreements with multiple nations such as China, Peru, Mexico and Israel. 

The Index also shows how this transition is playing out for the world’s top 50 emitters of GHGs. Among these nations, including California:

  • France, California and Italy have lowest carbon intensive economies in the world.
  • Nigeria, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and California lead the world in energy productivity.
  • After the U.S. and EU, Japan, South Korea, Germany and California lead the world in clean tech patents.
  • U.S. clean tech venture capital funding rose 74 percent to $8.208 billion (2013-2014). EU funding fell 10 percent to $1.028 billion.
  • More than one-third of global electric vehicles were sold in the U.S., more than any other country in 2014. About half of U.S. sales happened in California.
  • U.S. electricity use per capita increased eight percent and the EU increased 17 percent (1990—2012). U.S. total energy use per capita fell 10.4 percent (1990-2012).