by Laila Khan

Created on: September 13, 2008   Last Updated: September 22, 2008

Global warming was considered non-existent just several years ago. Even government officials denied that it was a problem. Now, the issues surrounding global warming have been brought to the forefront of public, international, and government attention. This change in accepted ideas has changed not only the realm of government, but of corporations as well. In order to stay with the times, investors must predict the effects of "The Green Trend" that has accompanied the global warming problem.

There are many companies that will benefit greatly from the increase in public concern over global warming. The first main group of companies to profit is car companies that have adapted to the wants of society. The most successful motor company in hybrid technology is currently Toyota Motor Corp (TM). Featuring the Prius, Camry, and Highlander Hybrids, Toyota has excelled in new motor technologies for the Green-conscious world. It was one of the first companies to produce hybrid cars, and still maintains a firm hold on the hybrid market. In addition to the three current hybrid cars produced by Toyota, the company also has several hybrid concept vehicles in the making, including the CS&S, a hybrid sports car, the FINE-N, a futuristic looking car with a new specialized fuel cell system, the FINE-S, a hydrogen-powered vehicle, the FT-HS, a mid-priced sports car, and the HYBRID X, a mid-sized vehicle designed with families in mind. Several other motor companies have begun to compete with Toyota on hybrid cars. Honda (HMC) now features the Civic Hybrid, Nissan (NSANY) has released the Altima Hybrid, Ford (F) has unveiled their Escape Hybrid, and General Motors' (GM) Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid has increased in popularity after it was named Green Car of the Year by the Green Car Journal.

The second group of Green companies is perhaps the most obvious, the alternative energy companies. There has been a dramatic increase in the number of companies that specialize in alternative energy, may it be wind, water, nuclear, solar, or hydrogen power. The most common, and probably the most effective, is still solar power. There are several solar technology companies that merit mentioning. The first is First Solar Inc. (FSLR), the largest manufacturer of thin film solar modules. This company produces thin and efficient photovoltaic solar cells for individual or large-scale solar energy plants. In addition to production of solar cells, First Solar Inc. also is engaged in several projects to increase

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