Global climate change and energy
Climate change affects the entire planet, and is by definition a global issue. The UK is taking world-leading action at home to address the problem, but ultimately we need global solutions.
Energy is a global issue too. The UK imports an increasing amount of its energy, and, if our supplies are to remain secure and priced competitively, we need to ensure we do not become overly dependent on any one region of the world.
Much of DECC's work is therefore conducted at a European and international level.
In this section, you can read about the facts of global climate change, our international strategy for dealing with the challenge, and how we move forward from the Copenhagen Accord.
You can also read about the international challenges inherent in energy policy, and how we are working to address them both within Europe and beyond.
The 4ºC Map
The map to the right, illustrates the global consequences of failing to keep climate change to under 2 degrees Celsius. It was launched by the UK Government in October 2009 and was developed using the latest peer-reviewed science from the Met Office Hadley Centre and other leading impact scientists. Click on the + to zoom in and see the effects a 4ºC rise would have around the world.