Time for more concerted global energy strategy

Energy lies at the heart of the world's most pressing global challenges. Yet at both the global and national levels, energy is poorly governed.

The fiasco of the Copenhagen climate summit is just one illustration of how far the world is from being able to bring about the desperately needed transition to a system of sustainable and secure provision of energy services.

The key role of energy in global problems is clear. Some two-thirds of the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate change trace back to fossil fuel use.