The Foreign Service Journal, February 2009

26 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 0 9 Engage the International Com- munity. Productive engagement with the international community on energy issues requires earnest participation in climate change ne- gotiations and a move beyond the often-misinterpreted rhetoric of “en- ergy independence.” Smart and ef- fective U.S. leadership on these issues requires knowing our limita- tions. Washington should engage in cooperation and lead by example in areas of comparative advantage, learning to rely on global institutions and allies to carry out activities not directly related to U.S. strategic interests. Our government’s participation is essential to a lasting global framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and developing adaptation strategies to help the whole world cope with the inevitable disruptions caused by cli- mate change. As the largest economy in the world, the United States is uniquely positioned to set the pace and direction of this effort, both through its participation and its ability to persuade other major economies (current and fu- ture) to cooperate with us. The climate change challenge of- fers the United States an opportu- nity to provide leadership in the creation of flexible, yet durable, norms and institutions — in much the same way the U.S. did for global trade regimes and regional security coalitions in the 20th century. Action on this requires a long-term policy view balanced with short-term initiatives — one that enables global markets to function properly and fosters sustainable economic development. Through this effort we can reinforce core principles even as we at- tempt to resolve the inherent inequities and monumental challenges of global climate change solutions. F O C U S According to the most recent projections by the International Energy Agency, global energy demand will increase by approximately 45 percent by 2030.