In a speech Wednesday at United Nations headquarters in New York, Secretary-General Kofi Annan said we need a revolution in energy efficiency. Addressing the opening meeting of the Commission on Sustainable Development, Annan called for new approaches to energy use with a focus on greater efficiency, increased investment in renewable sources and new technologies. "We must capture and use excess heat, and make greater use of hybrid vehicles and other energy-efficient technologies," he said. Annan also called for cutting the pollution generated by fossil fuels and pointed out that the high cost of oil imposes economic burdens on some poor countries while contributing to climate change. (Sounds like an opportunity for insulation!) Saying that renewable sources of energy remained woefully inadequate and underutilized, the Secretary-General added that all countries needed to be more rigorous in carrying out what they have agreed to do with regards to energy and sustainable development. More than 80 ministers are attending the Commission meeting, which concludes today. A comprehensive report on the event can be found on the UN Website. A Cliff Notes version is at United Press International.