The world is less dependent on oil than it was, thanks to improved efficiency in the use of energy and to a shift away from heavy industry.

ECONOMIST: All blowing over? | The

The conference is organized in support of the International Year for Sustainable Energy for All (2012) and the initiative of the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, which sets the goals for improved energy efficiency, doubling the use of renewable energies and universal access to modern energy services by 2030.

UNESCO: Indigenous Peoples

More recently the State Senate struck down legislation that would have improved energy efficiency rules by requiring the use of recent data and considering the economic impacts of rules.

FORBES: Broken California: Wasting Money and Hurting Business