Despite where you may stand on the global warming argument, one thing is for sure, the climate on the earth is constantly changing. In fact between 1700 and 1850, the world experienced what scientists have called the “Little Ice Age.” A new Merrill Lynch research report highlights the companies that will be a major part of what the analyst calls the climate change solution for a transforming world.

One area we thought made sense for 24/7 Wall St. readers was the energy-efficient arena. The Merrill Lynch team has four top companies that are rated Buy that could play a big part in this crucial and growing silo. It is important to note that the entire sector will be in focus as the giant UN climate conference in Paris, dubbed COP 21, with major world leaders, including President Obama, in attendance has just convened. Negotiators from 195 countries will try to reach a deal within two weeks aimed at reducing global carbon emissions and limiting global warming.

Advanced Energy Industries

This stock had solid bounce off the late August lows and is breaking through near 52-week highs. Advanced Energy Industries Inc. (NASDAQ: AEIS) is a global leader in innovative power and control technologies for high-growth, precision power solutions for thin films processes and industrial applications. The company announced earlier this month it had entered into an accelerated share repurchase program in keeping with the company’s overall capital deployment strategy. This is very bullish for shareholders.

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Merrill Lynch sees the company as a big player in the power management area. The firm also noted recently, while the company posted strong third-quarter results, the fourth quarter guidance was below estimates. Merrill Lynch views it as a temporary slowdown for a stock with very bright long-term prospects.

Merrill Lynch has a $35 price target on the stock, and the Thomson/First Call consensus target is $32.57. The shares closed Friday at $29.15.