Unlike most other environmental and energy-related issues, climate change is a global issue that cannot be addressed by the United States alone. Unless all major emitters of GHGs—including key developing countries—commit to reducing emissions, efforts by the United States to reduce its GHG emissions will be more than neutralized by rising global emissions from other countries.

The International Energy Agency predicts that global energy-related CO₂ emissions will increase 45 percent between 2006 and 2030.¹ The CO₂ emissions from China, India, and the Middle East will account for more than 75 percent of this projected increase. In 2008, China surpassed the United States as the world’s biggest emitter of CO₂ from power generation, according to the Center for Global Development.

The U.S. government is engaged with other countries to address climate change on a global scale. But, much work remains. The U.S. government has reached a number of international agreements that address climate change issues through research and technology transfer. The electric power industry also is engaged in the efforts. Learn more about these initiatives:

• Asia Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate
• Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum
• International Electricity Partnership
• International Partnership for the Hydrogen Economy
• Methane to Markets

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¹International Energy Agency, World Energy Outlook 2008, November 2008.