But Dr Anders Sandberg, James Martin Research Fellow at the Future of Humanity Institute at Oxford University, said that while "the future looks pretty bright" there are "dark shadows" because technologies to improve the world also bring fears such as security worries over advances in sharing technology and bio-weapons coming out of bio-technology meant to feed us and bring us new sources of energy.

BBC: How bright is the world's future?

New technology, avidly sought today, could well spur any number of alternative energy sources: oil sands, oil shale, natural gas converted to liquid, coal converted to liquid, etc.

FORBES: A Shield Against The Next Oil Shock

He will encourage companies to bring their jobs and profits back to our shores, hire new workers, invest in research and technology, rebuild our roads and bridges, and invest in promising new sources of energy.

CNN: Romney's way: Let middle class pay the rich's tab

Let us create a new international clean technology fund, which will help developing nations like India and China make greater use of clean energy sources.

NPR: Text of Bush's State of the Union Address