A distinguishing feature of the industrial revolution is the unprecedented increase in productivity brought about by the use of various forms of energy. The developed countries have used substantial energy resources to fuel their rapid economic growth, and the extensive use of fossil fuels – particularly coal – has had a detrimental effect on the environment. The benefits incurred by this development were generally internal – in the shape of improved productivity and quality of life – but the consequences of increasing carbon emissions have impacted the world as a whole through excessive rain, droughts, and temperature changes. For example, excessive use of fossil fuels has not only damaged the global environment, but also the future security of global agriculture.

Unless action is taken soon, climate change threatens to frustrate efforts to combat hunger and malnutrition among the Pacific region's poorest, according to a new report from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

In 2010, the world consumed about 508 quadrillion British thermal units (qBtu) of total primary energy consumption (TPEC), which resulted in 30.3 billion metric tons of carbon emissions.