Clean energy projects across the United States last year attracted $US17billion, almost double the amount invested in the previous year., according to environment news service GristMill. In the same year the carbon trading market grew from zero to $11billion. Some of the fuinds came from ethical investors, but the bulk was mainstream groups such as superannuation funds, venture capital organisations and hedge fund groups. The investors are moving ahead of federal governments in the US, UK and Australia who have ignored calls from state governments and industry bodies to regulate in favour of alternate energy sources and ameliorate global warming.